ChangingChanging IrelandIrelandSPRING '07 e ISSUE 21 The National Newsletter of the COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME - funding 180 CDPs & 10 Support Agencies 2.25

President reveals who her number one heroes are . . . page 28

Can we have your solutions, not just your complaints! - Noel Ahern, Minister of State . . . page 6-7

The German Army and the Community Sector in Ireland - Brian Harvey . . . page 19 Burning social issues - See inside!

This publication and most projects featured inside are part of the COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME EDITORIAL CONTENTS

The ‘On the ground’ 3-5 burning Interview with Noel Ahern, M-O-S 6-7 Is social inclusion really part of the new NDP? 8 issues Election issues 9 In this issue, Community Sector news 10 - Mary McAleese reveals what people have most impressed her in her role as President of Ireland to date; Rural development 11 - Minister of State Noel Ahern outlines what impresses him most about Community Development Projects and the Help Me Horace! 12 volunteers and staff who run them; ‘Rekindling the Fire’ 13-15 - And people in New Ross reveal why they think so much of their local CDP. Equal opportunities 16-17 There are also contributions from volunteers and staff in Ballybrack, Dublin, about why they do what they do. South & Mid-West conference 18-20 You can find out why Peadar Kirby tried to talk people in Community Development Education 21 Costa Rica out of trying to emulate the ‘Celtic Tiger’ success. And our former diarist and current agony uncle, Horace, Focus on Ballybrack CDP, Dublin 22-23 struggles with your many letters. However, the most important articles are based around a Resource Page 24 new report called ‘Rekindling The Fire’. When it was launched, Programme contacts / UN days 25 the report made the RTE six-o’clock news. ‘Rekindling The Fire’ shows that CDPs triple the financial Intercultural & human rights 26-27 investment made in them by government by attracting further funding support for their communities. The report also Published by: ‘Changing Ireland’ is published by the Community Development highlights the real work that projects do to better their Network, Moyross, Limited, Limerick, Ireland, with funding from the Department communities. The RTE crew broadcast from Ringsend, but it of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. could have visited any of the 65 areas in and around Dublin Address: ‘Changing Ireland’, Community Enterprise Centre, Moyross, Limerick. with CDPs and seen the needs and witnessed solutions being Tel Editor: 061-458011. put into action. Tel Administrator: 061-458090. CDP successes are incredible, and ‘Rekindling The Fire’ Fax: 061-325300. shows how Dublin projects are tackling the burning issues of E-mail: [email protected] our time. [email protected] Website: www.changingireland.ie

Editor: Allen Meagher Editorial team: Niamh Walsh, Gerry McKeever, Juan Carlos Azzopardi, What CDPs are: Viv Sadd and Allen Meagher ‘CHANGING Ireland’ highlights the work of Community Development Design: PrintZone, Limerick. Projects (CDPs). There are 180 CDPs, each of which is locally and Printed by: Walsh Printing Services, Castleisland, Co. Kerry independently-managed. They are funded by the government’s Community Development Programme. Cover Photo: The Wicker Man in the Liberties, Dublin. Two CDPs were involved in this event. The projects: • Have an anti-poverty, anti-exclusion focus and promote the THANKS TO . . . participation of people experiencing poverty and exclusion at all ‘Changing Ireland’ thanks everyone involved in the production of Issue 21. levels of the project. • Work from community development principles and methods. DISCLAIMER • Provide support and act as a catalyst for community development The views expressed in this newsletter are those of the author concerned. activity. They do not, by any means, necessarily reflect the views of the Editor, the • Act as a resource in communities. editorial team, the management committee of the Community Development • Provide co-ordination between community, voluntary and statutory Network, Moyross, Ltd., or the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht groups in their areas. Affairs. • Involve representatives of groups which experience poverty and social exclusion in their management committees. YROSS UCED IN MO PROD UNITY Location: HE COMM BY T ETWORK The projects in the Community Development Programme are based in LOPMENT N disadvantaged communities within: DEVE - inner-city areas; - rural area; - small towns. changing ireland 2 religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich – napoleon Community Development principles in action “This place has changed my life big-time”

- Measuring the worth of a local CDP

By ALLEN MEAGHER dropped in to check the project out and he hasn't looked back since: "THIS place changed my life big- " This is the greatest committee I ever time," declared Vincent Canning, a came across," he testifies. Once Vincent frequent visitor to New Ross CDP became involved, so too did his brothers. Ups and since shortly after it opened its "It's the best thing that happened me. doors five years ago. Put it this way, I haven't been in trouble for downs For many years, the old Viking six years now," he said. town had nothing to offer men However, the project is like Vincent but picturesque by no means focusing for Ross spots for outdoor solely on older men, NEW Ross was known as an drinking. Vincent points out: 'unemployment black-spot' during the "We had nothing to "They have 1980s and some shop-owners in the do but hang around computers and centre of the town remain shy to this town. You'd find me on indoor soccer for the day of painting their premises, as if every corner," said young people." He lacking confidence in the future. Yet, Vincent. “I only drink nods to the room property prices have shot up and so cans at home now." where there are a has the town's population. The town is In January, this year, dozen computers a designated RAPID disadvantaged Vincent showed President area. linked up to the internet. Mary McAleese around a The River Barrow on which New Ross Vincent Canning. Not that he's all that photography exhibition that is built exerts both a positive and bothered with computers, but negative pull: resulted from one of the projects undertaken by the CDP's Men's Group. the interaction between young and old, Since the town sits on the edge of an men and women and all cultures in a safe electoral boundary, marked by the She had spoken movingly during her friendly environment cannot be matched river that divides counties Wexford and visit about the ordeals facing people who Kilkenny, New Ross has gone many cannot read or write. Thankfully, this was anywhere else in town. To give a measure of how supportive decades without a TD to truly represent never a problem for Vincent, but not people in the CDP are, he remarks: "If you it. because formal schooling was such a are stuck for the price of a bag of coal, On the other hand, the port of New success: Ross is always busy and thousands of they would try to help you out here. If "I learned to read and write in the people stop to visit the main tourist you're stuck in any other way, there's bookie office," he said. attraction, 'The Dunbrody' ship. always somebody here to talk to." He and many like him - lacking And of course, there's always time for a opportunities and failing to benefit to any laugh, or a whole day for laughing: great degree from the recent boom times - "We went horse-riding once (through Zero points: were largely ignored until the CDP the CDP) in Courttown, it was the best arrived, adopting an open-door policy. craic ever. Ten of us went and two of us fell no to Vincent and his brothers Des and Pascal were informed about the project through off our horses, Kevin and my brother Fair Trade the project's outreach programme. Des." "I am in the CDP three years. Me and Des Canning interjected: "I got my foot ASKED why New Ross CDP - which caught in the stirrup and it wasn't a bit serves up hundreds of cuppas each Paddy Clear met John and Nicholas funny at the time. Anyway, I got back up week - uses tea and coffee from (outreach workers) in the L&N carpark exploitative multi-nationals such as and I told the (other) boys about it. They on the horse again afterwards and kept Nescafe and Maxwell House, Annette said it was a place to go for a couple of going." Ellis said it was down to cost. hours each week where you could get tea Sometimes you get more than you "We can't afford the Fair Trade and sandwiches." bargained for when you become involved coffee and tea," she said. So, one Friday morning, Vincent in a CDP. changing ireland 3 practice is the mother of skill - anthony robbins Community Development principles in action

Open-door policy makes Thethis CDP has been working project to with the proviso that it differentwas Dads-only Annette had an example in mind: "The NEW Ross CDP has adopted an support women, especially and their children and they had to health board have a huge budget for mental open-door policy from the through funding from the have had a previous health and it's not good enough for them to beginning, something that has national programme - the involvement in the CDP (or say men or Travellers are not using the helped the project greatly in Equality for Women otherwise they might have services and to leave it at that." reaching its target groups. Measure – and a women’s needed a fleet of buses). The She added: "It's also your own approach group has been engaged in idea worked a treat and "Most CDPs go for (organising) various too - you have to welcome everyone you see a variety of activities. now there are plans to set groups of about eight people. We go for an coming through that door. I believe everyone However, funding is to end up a Saturday Morning open door policy,” said project co-ordinator, deserves a chance. Just because someone did Michael Kane Sharon Paddy Caulfield soon, something the group Club for fathers and their Conor Dervan. something five years ago… well, they might are up in arms over. children. One of the coarsest measures of the CDP's be a different person now." There was an obvious need Work continues in other success is the abuse that was directed at the for a men’s group in New Ross areas too, empowering people. project. and the group that has been set Two years ago, New Ross CDP Critical Issues / Priorities: During a recent local fundraising campaign up seems to reach people that no conducted a survey of issues and To anyone who believes that men don’t for the CDP, some locals dismissed the President declares New other agency does: needs and realised that mental health was ever talk, the staff of New Ross CDP say fundraisers, saying: "That place is only for "Three men I know said they wouldn't be very important. Demonstrating the progress ‘rubbish’! blacks and scumbags." here only for the CDP. Everybody coming in the project has made, during her visit, “We find that when men trust you and "There are people in town who would be Ross CDP ‘a republic here gets the same greeting: 'How are you President McAleese presented certificates to relax, they will tell you their troubles. It's quite happy to see our lads back on the street today?'" said Annette. around 20 participants for completing a rubbish this idea that men won't talk, they will drinking," noted Conor. The men's group meet three days a week course in Mental Health Awareness. if they trust who they are talking to,” said The need for a drop-in centre in New Ross within a republic’ and hope to extend this to five days weekly Conor. was identified as a top priority in the CDP’s soon. He is angry the health system fails so many first workplan and the search began for a Target groups/ Volunteerism: family has been here for hundreds of years. people and then blames people for being New Ross CDP was declared “a suitable premises. The early years, therefore, Michael Kane He came to the project some It's a safe space where people from different reluctant to go for cancer-checks: “We say republic within a republic” by saw the project move from Mary Street (not Participation: years ago to see what it had to offer and is backgrounds can sit down and have tea why don't you hold health check-ups here? central) to South Street (up a tight stairs) to Currently, two men in the 50-plus bracket - now on the voluntary management President Mary McAleese, together. Going to hospital for an appointment is a Barrack Street (perfect). who left school early - are now doing committee, encouraging others to become during a visit to the town on “We also look at identifying with the middle-class cultural thing. For computers and woodwork at VTOS level. involved. January 23rd. people what are the issues in this town, and example, the MABS come in here see how we can improve the quality of life Collective action: Participation at all levels of society is one of "All the lads I grew up with The declaration came after project co- on Fridays, so why can’t the in New Ross,” added Conor. the project’s key aims: started drinking when they ordinator, Conor Dervan, welcomed her by The volunteers’ other priority in those early health board?” President McAleese pointed out that the "Only last Friday, we had a right spread of were about 14: some stopped. saying they thought the President’s role must days was to get community development One of their committee phrase about cherishing-our-children- ages, from a baby up to a 72-year-old. I stopped ten years ago,” he be “to cherish all the children of the Republic training for themselves. Conor said the project volunteers happens to be a equally “comes from the 1916 Generally, we try to keep it to over-16s and said matter-of-factly. equally”, as it says in the Constitution. has always put its energy into getting people drugs awareness worker. Proclamation, which is probably more on Fridays it's for over-18s, because the older Michael sees great value “Well, that is very much the ethos of this into the project and encouraging Says Conor – “Say you’ve important than the Constitution.” people need a place to chat and relax in the CDP’s work: "I find project,” said Conor, hoping he was right to volunteerism. got a question you want to “A republic is a place where the children (without too much noise),” added Annette. that we can meet and talk say the statement is contained in the While there is always a cup of tea on offer, ask. You can make an of the nation are cherished equally and you (The project has at least four volunteers/staff with different nationalities, it Constitution. “Everybody in this town is there are three things that really work in appointment and call to him are the people who make it happen,” she present when the doors are open to the broadens our minds as well as welcome to the CDP be they settled, enticing people in, according to New Ross’ public). theirs. Wednesday nights are at the office, or you can have Traveller, emigrants or someone whose continued. an informal 'consultation' with “What you do here in reaching out to experience: Some of the men the project engages with the main night and the place is - Word of mouth. might live in a cold house, or without buzzing. On the table-tennis or the him over a game of pool. Which individuals is more about the business of would you go for?” creating the Republic than anything else. I - Having free newspapers to read. electricity, or without literacy skills. This is not pool-table, you could have an Iranian - Having the internet. surprising, given that nationally, 1-in-100 playing a Ross lad." This appears to be where New Ross CDP’s am very grateful to the people who create ? open-door policy gives them an edge. this space - this is a republic within a “For 40 a month, you can run 12 urban dwellers of working age have no hot Groups that now hold meetings in the CDP "Lads would bring a fella at risk of suicide republic.” computers on-line,” remarked Conor. The water at home and 1-in-20 lack central include: the Polish Association, Traveller around here instead of to the official health She said the CDP’s work was about computers didn’t cost the project too much heating. Among rural people, there is groups, intercultural groups, AA, among services,” added the project co-ordinator. It is overcoming the obstacles and gaps in either: “We got a grant to buy the first two significantly more hardship, especially others. not something they either encourage or society. and the others are second-hand ones that among older people. (Source: Economic and discourage, but it is nonetheless part of the “That's when a republic emerges and people or businesses had finished Social Research Institute, 2007) Outreach work: job. people believe in themselves and their using.” New Ross CDP has been very successful in Though it takes its toll: “It can be hard on country,” said the President. Empowerment: its outreach work, as highlighted elsewhere staff,” agreed Conor and Annette. They gave In the lead-up to the President’s visit, some Needs analysis: Enda Hennessy, a CDP in this report. details of individual cases that caused them people said to Conor that it was great the Identifying where the volunteer (and in his paid And Conor doesn't accept that every stress, though they are glad if they can President was coming “to meet the ordinary needs are greatest is one of work - a health worker with project that claims to have tried to get people”, but Conor doesn’t see it that way. provide support or point someone in the right the things CDPs are expected a Traveller men's health Travellers or men involved has a valid excuse direction. He said they aren’t ordinary, they’re to excel at. group) said the project for not succeeding: "You hear people saying, extraordinary, especially those who Annette Ellis, development succeeded recently in 'Oh, our project is open to Travellers (or men volunteer. worker, noted: "There are a lot facilitating fathers to spend let's say) but they don't come in.' We say it's CDP chairperson, Joan Whelan showed of women over-60 who are quality time with their actually about going out and getting them to President McAleese around the premises – separated from their husbands children. The project come in. You have to try different formerly a squash court attached to a public and find it hard to go out." Conor Dervan organised a bus-trip to see Santa approaches." house – and introduced her to people. changing ireland 4 get a life – sell up and move to asia ment principles in action

es Thethis CDP has been working project to with the proviso that it differentwas Dads-only Annette had an example in mind: "The support women, especially and their children and they had to health board have a huge budget for mental through funding from the have had a previous health and it's not good enough for them to national programme - the involvement in the CDP (or say men or Travellers are not using the Equality for Women otherwise they might have services and to leave it at that." Measure – and a women’s needed a fleet of buses). The She added: "It's also your own approach group has been engaged in idea worked a treat and too - you have to welcome everyone you see a variety of activities. now there are plans to set coming through that door. I believe everyone However, funding is to end up a Saturday Morning deserves a chance. Just because someone did soon, something the group Club for fathers and their something five years ago… well, they might are up in arms over. children. be a different person now." There was an obvious need Work continues in other for a men’s group in New Ross areas too, empowering people. and the group that has been set Annette Ellis Two years ago, New Ross CDP Critical Issues / Priorities: up seems to reach people that no conducted a survey of issues and To anyone who believes that men don’t other agency does: needs and realised that mental health was ever talk, the staff of New Ross CDP say "Three men I know said they wouldn't be very important. Demonstrating the progress ‘rubbish’! here only for the CDP. Everybody coming in the project has made, during her visit, “We find that when men trust you and here gets the same greeting: 'How are you President McAleese presented certificates to relax, they will tell you their troubles. It's today?'" said Annette. around 20 participants for completing a rubbish this idea that men won't talk, they will The men's group meet three days a week course in Mental Health Awareness. if they trust who they are talking to,” said and hope to extend this to five days weekly Conor. soon. Target groups/ Volunteerism: He is angry the health system fails so many people and then blames people for being Michael Kane He came to the project some reluctant to go for cancer-checks: “We say Participation: years ago to see what it had to offer and is why don't you hold health check-ups here? Currently, two men in the 50-plus bracket - now on the voluntary management Going to hospital for an appointment is a who left school early - are now doing committee, encouraging others to become middle-class cultural thing. For computers and woodwork at VTOS level. involved. example, the MABS come in here Participation at all levels of society is one of "All the lads I grew up with on Fridays, so why can’t the the project’s key aims: started drinking when they health board?” "Only last Friday, we had a right spread of were about 14: some stopped. ages, from a baby up to a 72-year-old. I stopped ten years ago,” he One of their committee Generally, we try to keep it to over-16s and said matter-of-factly. volunteers happens to be a on Fridays it's for over-18s, because the older Michael sees great value drugs awareness worker. people need a place to chat and relax in the CDP’s work: "I find Says Conor – “Say you’ve (without too much noise),” added Annette. that we can meet and talk got a question you want to (The project has at least four volunteers/staff with different nationalities, it ask. You can make an present when the doors are open to the broadens our minds as well as appointment and call to him public). theirs. Wednesday nights are at the office, or you can have an informal 'consultation' with Some of the men the project engages with the main night and the place is Enda Hennessy might live in a cold house, or without buzzing. On the table-tennis or the him over a game of pool. Which electricity, or without literacy skills. This is not pool-table, you could have an Iranian would you go for?” surprising, given that nationally, 1-in-100 playing a Ross lad." This appears to be where New Ross CDP’s urban dwellers of working age have no hot Groups that now hold meetings in the CDP open-door policy gives them an edge. water at home and 1-in-20 lack central include: the Polish Association, Traveller "Lads would bring a fella at risk of suicide heating. Among rural people, there is groups, intercultural groups, AA, among around here instead of to the official health significantly more hardship, especially others. services,” added the project co-ordinator. It is among older people. (Source: Economic and not something they either encourage or Social Research Institute, 2007) Outreach work: discourage, but it is nonetheless part of the job. New Ross CDP has been very successful in Empowerment: Though it takes its toll: “It can be hard on its outreach work, as highlighted elsewhere staff,” agreed Conor and Annette. They gave Enda Hennessy, a CDP in this report. details of individual cases that caused them volunteer (and in his paid And Conor doesn't accept that every stress, though they are glad if they can work - a health worker with project that claims to have tried to get provide support or point someone in the right a Traveller men's health Travellers or men involved has a valid excuse direction. group) said the project for not succeeding: "You hear people saying, succeeded recently in 'Oh, our project is open to Travellers (or men facilitating fathers to spend let's say) but they don't come in.' We say it's •For more information, contact: quality time with their actually about going out and getting them to New Ross CDP, Barrack St., New Ross, children. The project come in. You have to try different Co. Wexford. Tel. 051-420664. r Dervan organised a bus-trip to see Santa approaches." E-mail: [email protected]

changing ireland 5 there are 12 places called dublin in the usa and six in australia We want to hear solutions, not just complaints

local solutions into the national plan. the new ndp presents opportunities for - Minister of State, Noel Ahern Government doesn’t have all the local communities that was not there answers and that’s why we have local before. I think the figure is something Nick: Minister how would you grade representing the people and articulating development groups who are in a better like 170 million but that’s just core the Community Development their view and pulling together the position to identify and put their finger funding for the CDPs. The real value of Programme? different strands. Because there’s huge on what is wrong, to influence it at a CDPs is not what they get for their own mistrust between the individuals in an local level. I feel that’s the essence of a core funding but what they can get Minister: The real success of the estate like that and the establishment community development programme so from other government departments Programme is the work done on the and there can be a lack of that people can not just tell you what’s and agencies for their communities. ground. ‘Changing Ireland’ is one of understanding by the professionals, of wrong but feed into the system and tell We’re talking about two things. What the few vehicles we have to push the how community people think. It’s great you how to put it right. the CDPs get for their own funding and boat out so to speak. There are enough to see the CDP being involved, being what they can leverage for their other groups out there who talk a good central, acting as the bridge between Nick: Why do CDPs not have a communities. The second figure is the game, as a programme we are the two, using their knowledge and representative on the Taskforce important figure. probably reluctant to let the world know their experience to deal with the Committee on active citizenship? the good work we are doing. professionals, but very much Nick: When you look back over your ‘Rekindling the fire’ launched last week representing, collecting and presenting Minister: Not everybody is on that involvement with CDPs what are the was another attempt to let the world the core view of the people. committee. There were loads of groups biggest achievements you and minister know what we do. I don’t want to give who wanted to get a representative on O’Cuiv have made over the last few the impression that the emphasis should We’re spending about ?240 million but couldn’t. Our secretary general, years? What things remain to be shift to talking rather than doing but at a year on the bigger regeneration Gerry Kearney, is representing the done? the same time we should all be looking schemes and as well as that we have department on it, so through the for ways to let the world know what we the smaller schemes, what we call department there is a rep on it to some Minister: The achievements of the do. It might well be that a lot of people remedial work schemes, in many Minister of State, Noel Ahern, with Minister Éamon Ó Cuív, Department of Community, Rural and extent. Programme are more about what has might not know the good solid work respects putting right the mistakes of the Gaeltacht Affairs. been achieved on the ground. Last that we are doing. past, the sixties for instance, when we Nick: Minister do you think poverty in year, I was glad to be able to provide went for numbers of houses. Now it’s CDP that acts as a resource. One that coordination and cooperation between Ireland is gone? grant-funding of one-million euro for Nick: There are a lot of CDPs involved all about sustainable development. Of recognises the problem and says ‘this is statutory groups and local groups. equipment and programme costs in the what we are doing to improve our in local housing regeneration schemes. course there were different pressures at Minister: Poverty now is more relative Once-Off Grants Scheme. The Traveller area’. I like the people who are Nick: Following on from that do you As Minister of State for both the time. poverty than absolute poverty. The Work Placement Scheme was started in changing things in a positive way by community and housing is there think CDPs should be doing more to standards by which we judge such a small way and is now on a firmer actions and plans and who are acting anything you can do to make life Its very important in doing these highlight central government and local things have changed and people’s footing, there were certainly more as a catalyst, encouraging other groups easier for CDPS engaged in things that there is cooperation of local Government inaction and gaps in expectations have changed. Poverty is groups going for it this year. In relation to get active and get involved, while regeneration? communities and involvement of local policy? Should they be working not so much about lack of money now. to our own achievements, getting the accepting that they have to lobby and communities in the process to agree harder to highlight changes? With social welfare increases, the programme into the new National articulate the problems of an area at what the objectives are, what local difficulties come more from inability to Development Plan needed a lot of work. Minister: As I go about the country, the same time. while I might be visiting an area from a people see as improving the quality of Minister: It is a matter for each CDP manage money through inadequate We got the programme through a community perspective, I am also their lives. In some places the to decide what they think about budgetary skills or through substance slightly rocky time in 2002 and 2003 We can all get publicity talking looking out for what’s happening on the consulting and negotiating has been a highlighting issues of concern. Going dependency. and the special niche that CDPs have housing side. I have seen CDPs which bit painful but it’s not right to be about the problems like drugs or back to what I said earlier, a certain has been recognised and has been built were very well linked to regeneration suggesting that one or the other side burned out cars in an area but what’s amount of advocating, lobbying and Nick: Some ?861 million is to go to on and the fact that the Programme is and others which were not so well might be at fault. important is what we do about it. You campaigning has a value but for CDPs and FRCs over the next seven in the new NDP is an indication of this. linked. have to think about the hardworking government agencies it’s not always years if your new NDP goes ahead. Nick: There are around 2000 decent individuals in an area. Constant talking about the problems that gets you What proportion of that figure is for Nick: Finally Minister, you told Nick: But the two sides don’t always volunteers in the Community negative publicity doesn’t do them much listened to, it’s when you start talking CDPs and how much is for FRCs? ‘Changing Ireland’ around the time work well together on the ground? Development Programme. Name one good. about and recommending solutions. you started the job that you liked to volunteer or group of volunteers that We have a system of open government Minister: What level of funding CDPs go for a couple of pints after work. Minister: Getting joined up really impressed you in recent years. Initially (CDPs) might have seen their and we’re not suggesting that because and FRC can draw down under the new Are you still getting time? government on the ground isn’t always How have CDPs impressed you? role as articulating the issues but I think the government funds you, you can’t NDP cannot be fully answered. I think easy. In Saint Michael’s Estate (in that after a while, and the good ones exercise your voice. But if you want to this is dependant on what CDPs can do Minister: I won’t be having time for Inchicore, Dublin) for instance, the local Minister: It’s not for me to single out are very good at this, they have moved be listened to you have to come in harnessing funding for projects for too many of them for the next couple of CDP has been very involved in one volunteer or one group. I like the on to making things happen, promoting forward with your solutions and fit your their communities. What is clear is that months. changing ireland 6 glaine ár gcroí, neart ár ngéag is beart de réir ár mbriathar - the fianna w: r solutions, Intervie rphy ints Nick Mu

local solutions into the national plan. the new ndp presents opportunities for Government doesn’t have all the local communities that was not there answers and that’s why we have local before. I think the figure is something development groups who are in a better like 170 million but that’s just core position to identify and put their finger funding for the CDPs. The real value of on what is wrong, to influence it at a CDPs is not what they get for their own local level. I feel that’s the essence of a core funding but what they can get community development programme so from other government departments that people can not just tell you what’s and agencies for their communities. wrong but feed into the system and tell We’re talking about two things. What you how to put it right. the CDPs get for their own funding and what they can leverage for their Nick: Why do CDPs not have a communities. The second figure is the representative on the Taskforce important figure. Committee on active citizenship? Nick: When you look back over your Minister: Not everybody is on that involvement with CDPs what are the committee. There were loads of groups biggest achievements you and minister who wanted to get a representative on O’Cuiv have made over the last few but couldn’t. Our secretary general, years? What things remain to be Gerry Kearney, is representing the done? department on it, so through the department there is a rep on it to some Minister: The achievements of the mon Ó Cuív, Department of Community, Rural and extent. Programme are more about what has been achieved on the ground. Last Nick: Minister do you think poverty in year, I was glad to be able to provide coordination and cooperation between Ireland is gone? grant-funding of one-million euro for statutory groups and local groups. equipment and programme costs in the Minister: Poverty now is more relative Once-Off Grants Scheme. The Traveller Nick: Following on from that do you poverty than absolute poverty. The Work Placement Scheme was started in think CDPs should be doing more to standards by which we judge such a small way and is now on a firmer highlight central government and local things have changed and people’s footing, there were certainly more Government inaction and gaps in expectations have changed. Poverty is groups going for it this year. In relation policy? Should they be working not so much about lack of money now. to our own achievements, getting the harder to highlight changes? With social welfare increases, the programme into the new National difficulties come more from inability to Development Plan needed a lot of work. Minister: It is a matter for each CDP manage money through inadequate We got the programme through a to decide what they think about budgetary skills or through substance slightly rocky time in 2002 and 2003 highlighting issues of concern. Going dependency. and the special niche that CDPs have back to what I said earlier, a certain has been recognised and has been built amount of advocating, lobbying and Nick: Some ?861 million is to go to on and the fact that the Programme is campaigning has a value but for CDPs and FRCs over the next seven in the new NDP is an indication of this. government agencies it’s not always years if your new NDP goes ahead. talking about the problems that gets you What proportion of that figure is for Nick: Finally Minister, you told listened to, it’s when you start talking CDPs and how much is for FRCs? ‘Changing Ireland’ around the time about and recommending solutions. you started the job that you liked to We have a system of open government Minister: What level of funding CDPs go for a couple of pints after work. and we’re not suggesting that because and FRC can draw down under the new Are you still getting time? the government funds you, you can’t NDP cannot be fully answered. I think exercise your voice. But if you want to this is dependant on what CDPs can do Minister: I won’t be having time for be listened to you have to come in harnessing funding for projects for too many of them for the next couple of forward with your solutions and fit your their communities. What is clear is that months. changing ireland 7 clear hearts, strong limbs and true words - the Fianna (Fionn’s crowd) The European Anti-Poverty Network (in Ireland) Billions promised - But, is social inclusion really a big part of the new NDP?

By PAUL GINNELL, EPAN* THE new National Development Plan The new NDP: in 100 words (NDP) 2007-2013 received a high tech, • It is the fourth NDP. The first began in 1989. high publicity launch on 27th January. • ?183.7 billion is promised from now to 2013. The plan has a total budget of ?183.7 billion, the biggest of the four NDPs • For the first time, Social Inclusion gets a chapter. which began in 1989. • The budget for social inclusion is a staggering ?49.6 billion. ? The NDP 2000-2007 had just over 57 • But, when you look more closely, all isn't what it seems. billion. The pre-launch publicity for a number of • Unfortunately, the plan was not poverty-proofed. weeks had highlighted that for the first time • Nonetheless, it's looking good for community development. the NDP would include a specific chapter on social inclusion with a budget of ?49.6 • Yet, there is a weakness in the system for monitoring spending. billion. This is on top of the budget for social • Though Government will keep a close eye on spending. infrastructure which has a budget of ?33.6 • You can learn more about this subject at www.ndp.ie or www.eapn.ie billion. But what exactly is in the NDP to address social exclusion? and is therefore vague and lacking in detail in and potentially very significant single Not all of the elements in the social many areas. This makes it hard to analyse monitoring and reporting system being put in inclusion and social infrastructure budgets are and it is difficult to know what exactly the place to oversee the implementation of social really addressing social exclusion - for Government is committing itself to and how inclusion measures in the NDP and other example, those related to the justice system or this relates to what is required to address policy areas. All relevant stakeholders, health services. A government estimate is that social exclusion. including community organisatons are to be 27% of the budget is targeted at social While social inclusion has its own chapter involved in this process and it is to get inclusion measures. This is approximately the and is a key objective it is not a cross-cutting attention at the highest levels of Government. same as in the last NDP. horizontal theme as it was in the last NDP and This single process is to be co-ordinated by Although the budgets seem large the reality therefore does not impact on the whole NDP. the Office for Social Inclusion (OSI). is that the NDP mainly outlines budgets for Also, the fact that the plan was not poverty- Other policy areas include the Structural existing programmes with little opportunity to proofed is evident in missed opportunities. Fund Programme 2007-2013 (?1.82 billion) fund new areas or initiatives. However, this is For example, the area of energy does not and the National Action Plan for Social good news for those involved in such areas as address fuel poverty and large budgets to Inclusion 2007-2016. the Community Development Programme, support the development of enterprises make An important part of the work of EAPN Family Resource Centres and the Local no mention of supporting excluded groups to Ireland over the next few years will be trying Development Social Inclusion Programme participate. to ensure that this monitoring process is as who see their funding guaranteed. In relation to monitoring how the NDP is open, transparent and as effective as possible There is also a budget to roll the Rural delivering on what it promises, there will be in addressing issues of poverty and social Transport Initiative out on a national basis one Central Monitoring Committee and all exclusion. and there is a new budget of ?190m for social partner pillars, including the For more detail on what is in the NDP, you volunteering and volunteers. Community and Voluntary Pillar, will be can read the EAPN Ireland* Briefing and The Plan does include some concrete represented on this. This does not guarantee other related information on the EAPN targets on areas such as childcare, youth, a representative from a social inclusion Ireland NDP webpage: housing, employment and health, but in organisation. www.eapn.ie/policy/1581 There is also a general the NDP is a ‘high level document’ The NDP outlines some details of the new link to the full and summary NDP and comments from other organisations. * The EAPN Ireland is the European Anti- Poverty Network in Ireland, with whom Paul Ginnell works as Policy and Support Worker. Paul previously worked as project co- ordinator with Limerick Travellers Development Group CDP.

•For more information, contact: EAPN Ireland, 5 Gardiner Row, Dublin 1. Tel. 01-874-5737. Fax: 01-878-1289. E-mail: [email protected] changing ireland 8 www.socialinclusion.ie Election issues

Make poverty a central issue for voters!

THE Europeann Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) such as debates or speeches, during an EAPN could help by co-coordinating such is reaching out to allies in the Community election campaign where one or more of the meetings, providing independent chairs where and Voluntary Sector to see that the candidates are present for public questions. necessary, and helping with publicity. eradication of poverty in Ireland becomes a The network has produced a simple central issue in the general election. publicity manual for use by local The EU-backed network can provide community/NGO groups. It is aimed at those community groups with expert support: it has who might have little or no experience in started a web page on the topic and has media work. published a publicity manual. Finally, you can post your demands on their To start with, and to avoid duplication, election 2007 website page: EAPN want to know if other organisations are www.eapn.ie/policy/1352 running local 'hustings-type' meetings to raise In those areas where nothing is currently For more information or for copies of the questions over poverty and related issues. If planned, EAPN is seeking to work with local publicity manual, contact: Séamas Devine, so, EAPN are up for joining in. Project & Policy Coordinator, EAPN Ireland, groups "to roll out a series of nationwide A ‘hustings’ was originally a physical 18 Celtic Apartments, Pearse Road, platform from which representatives presented hustings to ask what the various candidates or Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel. 074-9164750. their views before a parliamentary or other parties will do to eradicate poverty in the next Mob. 087-2639155. E-mail: election. The term may now refer to any event, Dáil." [email protected] Wexford women seek to shape election issues

By SARAH-BETH WATKINS She is the Director of the Tanzanian Gender Networking Programme. Since 1996, its KEY concerns for women in County Wexford work has included: the democratisation of ahead of the 2007 General Election are political processes, acting as an election health issues, childcare, access to education watch-dog for gender sensitivity, producing and community policing. This was agreed election manifestos, and gaining media upon at a meeting of CDPs, Family Resource support to promote progressive public Centres, local women’s groups and statutory debate. agencies. Mary was visiting groups in Ireland by The lack of women in politics, housing invitation from Banulacht, the organisation for shortages and the lack of services for people feminist development education. with disabilities are also high on the agenda. Ailbhe Smyth, Director of Women’s Approximately 50 women participated at a Education, Research and Resource Centre, recent event organised by the County UCD, facilitated the workshops that identified Wexford Community Women’s Collective with the key issues affecting women in Wexford. a view to influencing the local elections. The Collective are now organising a Key speakers discussed how to challenge county-wide campaign to make politicians the government and opposition party election aware of the issues. A report of the day is candidates on key issues. available on request. Mary Rushimbi from Tanzania has been Mary Rushimbi from the Tanzanian For more information contact Angela or working for over 13 years to influence Gender Network, spoke at the Wexford Sarah at Templeshannon CDP: elections and increase women’s leadership. Women’s Collective. Tel. 053-9237511.

Sligo CDP discuss e183.7 billion plan A workshop titled ' The NDP 2007- European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) The CDP's premises 2013 and Social Inclusion' was held in Ireland and was the second such at Northside Resource workshop to examine the issues in a Centre, Forthill in Sligo, on March 13th. community setting. The Community Sligo town, was the venue for the two-and- It was organised by the Sligo Northside Workers Co-op has been to the fore in a-half-hour morning workshop. Community Partnership CDP and the examining the small print in the plan. changing ireland 9 why do they lock petrol station toilets – out of fear someone will clean them? Community and Voluntary Sector news Planning for a new Community Development Programme

representatives from the Programme’s will have regard for the National By MAURICE McCONVILLE National Advisory Committee, held its first Development Plan 2007- 2013 and the meeting in Dublin on February 27th. NAPinclusion and will operate within THE Community Development Unit in the As stated in the Terms of Reference, the Department has initiated a consultation ‘Reaching Out’ Guidelines on Consultation Panel will, “ . . . assess and evaluate reports for Public Sector Bodies. process with CDPs and relevant and submissions . . . evaluate existing The consultation is planned to run until June programme practices and structures . . . organisations. 30th of this year. consider changes that are required for the A consultative panel has been set up and improved operation accountability and It is expected that a variety of methods will according to its ‘Terms of Reference’ its role is governance of the programme . . . encourage be used to consult including meetings, reports “to support the formulation and dialogue with stakeholders and . . . provide and online submissions. implementation of the consultation process for opportunities for relevant organisations to Projects will be contacted soon by the a new programme.” contribute to the consultation process”, along Community Development Unit and advised The Panel, which is made up of former with other functions. The Consultative Panel on how to participate in the consultation. Number of FRCs to increase by 42 Bizarre! A BIZARRE anecdote emerged during THE Minister for Social Affairs, Séamus court coverage of a dangerous driving Brennan, in February, unveiled details of an case against a Dublin Bus driver ? investment package of almost 190 million involved in a collision that left five that will be targeted directly at increasing the people dead. Some of the evidence in number of Family Resource Centres (FRCs) the trial (the driver was countrywide from the current 100 locations to acquitted) went as 142 inside the next seven years. follows: ? a special conference in Dublin to mark and Under the 187 million plan, the aim is to celebrate Ireland’s 100 Family Resource "In a witness increase the number of FRCs by six per year - Centres. The event, organised by the Family statement read to the increasing the total number in the country by Resource Centre National Forum and the Family jury, Joao Philippe, 42, by the year 2013. The funding will be Support Agency, showcased the work of FRCs. an Angolan asylum drawn the new National Development Plan New figures show the full extent of the seeker told gardai how 2007-2013 and the centres will continue to be numbers of people availing of the services and an elderly woman screamed at him ‘get based in communities experiencing supports. For instance, in 2005: back to your own country’ when he disadvantage. • There were 850,000 visits to use centre shouted at her to call an ambulance. Minister Brennan announced the expansion at facilities. Mr. Philippe told the court he saw the • Some 16,000 people completed training bus driving on the pavement with its courses. front left wheel "going over a Chinese Alive, Alive-o! • Almost 140,000 people received advice and girl's leg". information "I was screaming at the woman to IN a letter to Horace (page 12) it is pointed out The first FRCs were funded 22 years ago. that there are seven areas in Dublin whose call an ambulance, but she was Direct funding for the programme has names end in the letter 'O'. For the record, they shouting at me to get out of the ? are: Rialto, Marino, Portobello, Phibsboro, increased from 300,000 in 1994 to almost country." Monto, Casino and Pimlico. ?19 million this year and the programme is - Excerpt from the 'Irish Times'

NewA NEW scheme to helpsocial local communities and financesocial and development projects agency and social remember launched that while banks have supplied the development groups to benefit from loans was enterprise in local communities. finance for this fund, for the organisations announced, in February, by the Minister for The foundation will be chaired by involved, it is repayable finance. Financial Finance, Brian Cowen. businessman and former GAA president, Peter Institutions need to do much more then this if Community groups often experience Quinn, and intends to commence its lending they are to be seen as acting socially difficulties getting finance from mainstream activities by mid-year. responsible.” ? banks, but the new fund of 25 million in low- Minister Cowen said he saw the initiative – The new Foundation will work in co- cost loans should ease difficulties in this area. two years in the making – as “a catalyst for operation with existing social lenders – such as The loan-fund will be administered by the deeper participation by private finance in the Clann Credo, the Western Development Social Finance Foundation and their capital is area of local and community development and being funded through the main banks. To date, social finance projects.” Commission, and First Step. community groups look chiefly to credit unions Joan Burton of Labour – who has pressed For more information, contact: Brendan for loans. for more information about when the Whelan on 01-619-0043. E-mail: [email protected] The Social Finance Foundation has been Foundation will become operational - generally Also, the Foundation intend to have their established on a not-not-for-profit basis to act welcomed the news. However, the Green’s Dan website up and running by the second half of as a wholesale supplier of loans to support Boyle was more cautious, saying: "We must March: www.sff.ie changing ireland 10 bíonn dhá insint ar scéal agus dhá leagandéag ar amhrán Rural development

Kiltimagh CDP celebrate 10 years KILTIMAGH CDP in Mayo celebrated its tenth birthday recently by showcasing its work and by running a children’s poetry and art competition. Located on the town’s main street, the project supports local youth, women’s and men’s groups, international community groups, sports groups, and elderly and active retirement groups in Kiltimagh, Kilmovee, Kilkelly and Bohola. The CDP runs many services and programmes, including: - an information office for people wanting to find out about social welfare, education, rights and entitlements. - short-term courses such as stress management, art, computer skills and driving theory preparation courses. Organisers and winners of the poetry and art competition in Kiltimagh. Its premises support outreach work by the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, Citizens Information Service and Mayo Womens awareness of social issues. Support Group. For more information, contact: Kiltimagh CDP, Main Street, The CDP’s main aim is to address poverty and social exclusion Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo. Tel. 094-9381506. Fax: 094-9381948. within the community, to support local groups and to raise public E-mail: [email protected], or [email protected] 56 studying community development in rural Scariff A UNIVERSITY in Scariff, County Clare. the course, 56 people in all. Éamon Ó Cuív, learnt during a visit in mid- Never say never! In fact, it's already Tutor, Jackie Murphy, said the university January. happening as the National University of was "so impressed with the take-up" that they The Minister also heard the CDP are Ireland, Galway, are running a Diploma In agreed to run the course without charging seeking funding for a purpose-built, Community Development Practice in the extra for the extra participants. wheelchair-accessible, 'Youth and Community rural community. East Clare Community Support CDP, are Centre'. According to a press release from the Imagine the university's surprise when core to the running of the course, as Minister CDP, the Minister "expressed surprise that double the numbers expected signed up for for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Scariff does not have a parish hall and that the youth do not have access to such facilities." The CDP, in its report, continued: "The Minister stated that his Department could fund Community Centres through LEADER and mentioned a figure of ?400,000. He said his Department would not fund a site, but if the group could acquire a site then applications to three Government Departments could yield ?100,000 for a community centre for the area. He suggested that the group look to the smaller funders to provide equipment." Pat McGough, project co-ordinator, commented afterwards: “All we need now is a kind benefactor to give us a two-acre site!” •For further information on how to entice an university to run a course in a rural community, contact: Pat McGough, co- ordinator, East Clare CDP, Derg House, Scariff, Co. Clare. Tel. 061-640977. Fax 061-640764. Minister Éamon Ó Cuív is very eager to see a community centre open in Scariff. E-mail: [email protected] changing ireland 11 there are 2 sides to every story and 12 versions of a song Write to: Help Me Horace, ‘Changing Ireland’, c/o CDN Moyross, Community Enterprise Centre, Moyross, Limerick.

lottery win). Help me Horace! Let me know when I’ve to I'm trying to find out the pack up my belongings, names of the seven areas in Yours sincerely, Dublin city ending in the letter Demanding Dorothy, 'o'! Apparently, fewer than one Administrator, in 20,000 Dubliners can list them Mad CDP off by heart. If I get more than My darling Dorothy, one, my friend said he'd buy me I will write to the Minister. In the a pint. Please Horace, what are meanwhile, you may have saved the names? me a lot of hassle because I’ve Dreary O'Leary, been looking to get married for Pimlico, decades, and I see you like boats. Dublin The woman I’m looking for has to be a keen boat enthusiast, Hi Dreary, preferably with her own boat, I dunno, get a life! ideally 16 foot long, with an - Horace outboard engine. Marriage duties would include digging worms and cooking fish. Dorothy, could application for funding for a you please send me a Horses in boathouse? We're not sure photograph (of the boat) and Appalling vista which department to apply to - we’ll see if we can get hooked. Dear Horace, my garden Community or Environment. We Love My administrator keeps Dear Horace, can't decide, can you help? - Horace x x x nagging me about updating our There are four horses in my Deffo Heffernan, computers. Fair enough, they’re garden, I rang the Gardai about Suir CDP, a bit old – one runs on coal – but it but they said it was a matter Co. Tipperary (for now) I want my I find it hard to keep up with for the local authority. But the developments. council said it was nothing to do Dear Deffo, The latest thing is called Vista. with them. What can I do? The experts are only 95% sure money! My dear Horace, I don’t know my Windows from Sad El about global warming, so don't I had a letter penned to the worry about it! my door panels and the only National Advisory Committee of Mac I trust is my raincoat. Horace replies, - Horace the Community Development I looked up Vista in the Don't be sad El, it's the same Programme and I'm going mad dictionary – it didn’t inspire me here. The only horses I like to see they shut themselves down. are horses from Templemore with Have you any advice now on with confidence, more likely it’s Gardai on them. Once the local ‘Changing where I can go for advice? something I’ll stare at for hours. newspapers have taken their The question I want to ask is: I spent ages last year on photo, they are gone. Ireland’: How much of a salary rise am I courses trying to figure out the getting again? current system and I fear I’ll Can you - Annie Moore Monet, spend most of 2007 grappling change it Fighting Hard CDP, with the new one. Should I go RE last Somewhere-Around-The- back to ‘Post-It’ notes and the Place, abacus? report: a bit faster? Co. Wicklow Dear Horace, Terry Fayed, Luddite CDP ‘No doubt ‘Changing Ireland’, is that There is good news Annie right? Well, I’m here to complain More, about that you are not changing it fast The National Advisory Horace helps! enough. Committee have not really shut Terry Suir CDP’ For starters, I would like you down, they've just gone into You really don’t know much. Dear Horace, to change my house, my car and hiding as a way of getting some Even I know Windows has We were a little uncertain here my job. And I’m thinking about a badly-needed attention for nothing to do with doors, it’s got in Suir CDP about what to do new husband too. I would also themselves. And don't worry more to do with Gates. with your report in the last like to win the lottery (the Euro about your salary increase, it I recommend you do a car edition. You reported there is Millions, forget that local lark) should come through by 2027 maintenance course, so you’ll ‘No doubt about Suir CDP’. and to buy a James Bond-style and, fingers crossed, will be have some idea what to do when The only vagueness we have is speedboat. back-dated. Just hold on in there. over global warming. It seems If there’s more you could do - Horace your computer crashes. And, if that soon the River Suir might for me, I would like another you get lost poking around under become a lake, and a little after development worker for our the bonnet, the search engine will that, a coastal inlet. project and a new administrator Dubliner always find you. Do you think we can put in an (I will be resigning after the seeks advice - Horace changing ireland 12 i wondered why somebody didn’t do something for peace . . . Rekindling the fire Launch of ‘Rekindling The Fire’ had everyone gasping

I was at the launch of the Eastern Region He touched on funding, he mentioned Network’s document ‘Rekindling the Fire’ there were a lot of CDPs – even in his own in Buswell’s hotel (opposite Leinster area and he said they did all kinds of good house) in Dublin, on February 6th. I have work. to say I was struck by the easygoing To be honest he really only sounded atmosphere and lack of unnecessary comfortable with his subject when he formality. started talking about the importance of the Minister of State Ahern’s arrival among volunteer and of the guidance and support us went unheralded. In fact his arrival was of the management committee and so low-key that I turned from a casual development workers. He sounded to my inspection of one of the displays of CDP ears, then, like someone who knew how work, to find myself nose-to-nose with the community development worked on the man himself. Not a great start to my ground. When he said “ we are pleased to evening – to find I had allowed a multiple work with you though we don’t always minister to creep up on me! agree with you,” I almost, just for a second, So, I downed two glasses of wine in one believed we were in a true partnership – go and a development worker standing NICK MURPHY reports the government and the CDPs. It just nearby muttered, quite audibly, “typical shows the dangers of rushing two glasses bloody journalist”. Well, he had me and my lady ambled across the room and, of wine. fellows all wrong. I hope you’re sorry. You completely without ceremony, dropped the Now I want to return to Rita Fagan’s know who you are! report into the lap of an extremely speech because it was the words of a The proceedings were formally kicked surprised and embarrassed Minister who, worker on the ground that did more to off by Tony O’Grady of Partners CDP up to this point, had been proudly motivate me and send me back revitalised who, after telling us a cliff-hanger of a clutching a copy of the report he had been to the project the next day to face the story about a “senior politician” whose given at the door, and which he was now setbacks and disappointments which wait department staff didn’t know what CDP trying to stuff unobtrusively down the seat for us all each day than any words of praise stood for, and then refusing to name the he was sitting on. from ministers and journalists. politician in question, handed us over to Rita said, “What we do throughout the journalist Justine McCarthy who was to It just shows the country on a daily basis is reach out to formally launch the report. “ Justine began by explaining she intended dangers of those in our society who are on the to read her speech from her notes as she margins, disadvantaged and excluded, rushing two often very vulnerable people. We build was afraid her memory might let her down. glasses of wine She told us statistics, she expressed our ” relationships with them, support them, funding as a percentage of GNP and The Minister took the podium and work with them, involve them in groups. compared it to other countries. She spoke “recognised” (his word) two other We build their skills and their ability to in billions. Justine assured us deals were politicians, Pat Rabbitt and Mary Upton, analyse the issues which affect them and done at race meetings and on golf courses. who had also managed to join us without their communities and we develop their I don’t doubt a word of it, but I’ve never being noticed. I suppose you have to voice to take up these issues. We come in played golf or been to a race meeting and I expect this sort of thing if you’re going to all forms - networks, direct projects, have to take my socks off to count to lay on free food and drink within strolling communities of interest - but we all work twenty. distance of Leinster House. from the same method, community The next speaker was Rita Fagan from Somewhat predictably, the Minister development which is about social Inchicore, a passionate CDP worker. I’m assured us that his department knew what change.” going to leave talking about Rita’s speech CDP stood for and then surprised most of I think that no matter how well meaning for a moment to make a point. us by saying he had never graced the golf the politicians, the journalists, the The mood was lightened when Tony and race courses Justine mentioned. He government departments and the funders, called on a member of a CDP to present the did, however, say that now he knew it was the only people who can really give our Minister with a copy of the document. The expected of him, he would soon. Programme a voice is us. changing ireland 13 . . . (re: opposite) and then i realised i am somebody – anon Rekindling the fire Report shows what CDPs are up to

Better than

any bookie What CDPs do and how they do it is often best explained by examples and OF a total of 65 projects in the Eastern the new ‘Rekindling The Fire’ report provides plenty to choose from. Region, the ‘Rekindling The Fire’ report looked at a sample of 36 CDPs within a local school. Three local people have to demonstrate the range of activities Promoting volunteering joined this group.” engaged in, impacts and challenges. IN some cases, people who volunteer to help out in on a specific issue, or people who join - Blakestown CDP The report also measures their a course or group set up by the CDP, go on income-generating ability and CDPs to become Voluntary Management “We have recruited residents as members are a better bet than any bookies – Committee members of the project. Here’s of working groups and management because they triple the money they how that works from a project perspective: committees to work on a variety of issues concerning the area, such as a childcare get. “Many of the members of our Board of Management’s initial contact with the committee to work on a (funding) application Using 2003 as a baseline, the 36 to the Department of Justice to establish an ? organisation was through using the resources projects received just over 1.1m in of the organisation. (As a result, there are) affordable and quality childcare centre in core funding from the Community two lone parents on our fundraising sub- Cherry Orchard. Development Programme (representing group, two on the steering committee for the - Link CDP ? Teen Parent Support Initiative and one co- an average of just over 87,000 per “The CDP has worked with the parent and project). The projects went on to facilitating activities with a staff member.” - Doras Buí CDP toddler group and has assisted them in generate more than twice that amount in setting up regular meetings of the parents. other funding for the same year. “We have supported three Traveller Two local women have taken lead roles in Two-thirds of these projects are parents, two of whom now volunteer their time this group and have opened a bank account, geographically-based, while 12 are for the project. This has led to greater applied for funding and have drawn up involvement by Traveller parents in their rules for the group.” issue-based and work directly with children’s educational progress.” - Blakestown CDP particular communities of interest (eg - Tallaght Travellers CDP women). Here’s an outlay of the money Policy work can reap rewards they brought into their communities and Establishing new groups CDPs in the Eastern Region – as it shows that FAS were the major source FACT: CDP projects in the Eastern Region elsewhere – network and participate in of additional funding: were directly involved in establishing 84 various conferences aimed at contributing new groups or initiatives in their to policy debate. In some cases this leads Eastern Region Project Funding in communities in 2003 alone. In over half to direct responses from services and these cases, the projects were mainly agencies. For example: 2003 (36 Projects) responsible (or the lead agency) in the new Funding Source Amount(?) initiatives. “There were very successful outcomes in 2003 to this work with Dublin City Council ? The level of achievement reached in CDP Funding 3,133,810 establishing new groups, initiatives or agreeing to change their original plans Health Board ?368,927 networks in their local communities shows considerably in response to the expressed wishes of the community for the provision of ? how very important it is for CDPs to engage FÁS 2,969,674 in the woolly-sounding yet crucial work of serviced bays and community facilities.” Partnership ?155,984 ‘capacity building’ (rather than just - Ballyfermot Travellers Action Project providing services). Many of the new groups ? VEC 186,349 progress to be self-sustaining projects in CDPs in the regions are also typically involved in a range of partnerships with Local Authority ?340,018 their own right– frequently securing funding and support from mainstream services and local service providers. It works both ways: National Programmes ?533,895 programmes. ? Here’s how it happens: “It helps that there are other services which EU Funding 111,749 can support us, and to whom we can refer Other Funding ?2,101,380 “Two people that participated on a voter people, as we have access to so many workshop have gone on to set up an action people on a daily basis.” Total ?9,901,786 group to address issues that have arisen - Ronanstown CDP changing ireland 14 irishman michael davitt was one of the founders of the english labour party ing the fire

Recommendations Evaluation findings for 2007-2013 ‘REKINDLING The Fire’ argues that many community development projects need access to funding for extra staff. And since community development is a long-term process, the document recommends contracts based on 5-year plans. fed into report It argues for the establishment of a national office which would create a national profile that the Community Development Programme REKINDLING The Fire’ was largely and remain familiar with local sadly lacks. compiled from yearly evaluations (under organisations and individuals. Continuous ‘Rekindling The Fire’ strongly proposes the an internet-based evaluation system outreach is seen as essential across the development of a relationship framework between the community sector and the called SPEAK). Most of the content outlines whole range of working methods – Government which respects the values, and describes the activities and work- allowing for the project to remain familiar approaches and practices of each side. In this practices of 36 sample projects in the with local issues and local groups; as well context, it recommends: eastern region. as for local organisations and people to • copper-fasten the independence of the sector and its right to challenge By far the most important factor – as become and remain familiar with what the government policy. identified by projects in their SPEAK returns CDP is doing. • agree the development of a Code of – is CDPs’ capacity to become A number of projects specifically refer to Practice for funding the sector. • Government would commit itself to the need to maintain ‘trust’ in their consulting the sector on issues likely to local working relationships. affect it. The report was drawn up following • a commitment to an annual appraisal of the relationship between Government and the discussion between representatives of community sector would be agreed in a Eastern Region projects in the ‘Compact’ between the community sector Community Development Programme. and Government. Brian Dillon of Nexus Research and By far the most important factor – as identified by projects in their SPEAK returns – Tony O’Grady of Partners CDP did the is CDPs’ capacity to become and remain bulk of the writing. familiar with local organisations and The group who worked on the report individuals. Continuous outreach is seen as essential across the whole range of working also included: Joe Grennell, Jennifer methods – allowing for the project to remain Flynn, Eve O’Connor, Sarah Kelleher, familiar with local issues and local groups; as John Kiely and Sean Lambe. well as for local organisations and people to Allen Meagher of ‘Changing Ireland’ become and remain familiar with what the CDP is doing. provided editorial advice. A number of projects specifically refer to The Community and Voluntary section the need to maintain ‘trust’ in their local of the Department of Community, Rural working relationships. and Gaeltacht Affairs financed the printing and launch of the report. Projects hosted 3,500 The Eastern Region Network meets meetings in one year regularly and consists of CDP staff and PROJECT workers and volunteers are, for the volunteers. Geographically, the Eastern most part, working directly with people who Region comprises Dublin City and the are frequently isolated and marginalised greater Dublin area including Fingal, Dun from even basic social interaction. So, project premises are being successfully Laoghaire-Rathdown, parts of Kildare used as a ‘safe’ and friendly environment and Wicklow. There are 65 CDPs in the which often act as a first point of contact for Region. the most excluded. Even though projects spend less than 22% of their total time commitment in providing resources, advice and information, levels of activity are extremely high. For example, in a single year, among the 36 groups surveyed in If there were no CDPs Dublin: CDPs are at the centre of the ‘social become impossible to deliver; • There were 81,603 visits by individuals, inclusion development infrastructure’ in and 5,698 visits by community groups to • a range of other local organisations and use the facilities of 36 projects in the Ireland. Without them, according to projects would cease to exist; Eastern Region. ‘Rekindling The Fire’, the following would • very important lessons on the causes and • Project premises and meeting spaces were happen: responses to disadvantage would be lost. used 3,501 times by local community • opportunities for social participation and groups for meetings. progression for a large number of people The Community Development • Projects gave information or advice to would be lost; Programme, since its inception in 1989, 23,060 people, and referred • a range of programmes aimed at has undergone significant change and has approximately 8,655 of these on to other including the most excluded would grown from 15 projects to 180 projects. services or agencies.

changing ireland 15 hurrah for capitalism: bill gates and pal give $60 b. to global health programmes Equal opportunities What’s the point in having an ‘equality year’? Equality Authority is looking for you!

INTERVIEW WITH: Niall Crowley, Equality Authority director, about the ‘European Year of Equal Opportunities for All’ REPORTER: Gearóid Mac Giobúin

What are the equality authority’s main at how barriers can be removed and As regards Travellers’ Rights, we’re at a part of this “society of incentives”: can priorities this year? equality further enhanced. standstill, or even going backwards. you comment on that? Travellers have been the group who have 1. We want to help organisations to gear Inequality is a product of a range of What kind of events are you organising taken the most actions under the Equal up to tackle inequality. We want to help different processes, it is created by society, them examine how they operate, look this year? Status Act that we operate under. At the moment, 1 in 5 of our case work involves and Irish society has chosen to try to at their training needs, and take a more Public awareness campaigns will take address and eliminate inequality through planned and systematic approach. place during the European Year. These will discrimination against Travellers in schools, legislation and other measures. (Niall was 2. The second priority is in tackling the focus on work life balance, ageism, cultural either in terms of access or victimisation. quoted previously – in the Irish Times – burning issues which we identified in diversity in the workplace and people with We no longer deal with cases involving Travellers being barred from public houses. saying that equality is "not a soundbite “We see this as an opportunity, eight years into our own existence, to celebrate consultations, with over fifty disabilities. This is now dealt with in the District Courts issue"). what’s been achieved, then, going forward, renew our commitment to tackling organisations – non-governmental It’s crucial to build the confidence of under the Intoxicating Liquor Act. Far fewer inequality. Through the proposed actions for the year ahead, we want to give a new organisations (NGOs), social partners, individuals to exercise their rights under What’s the foundation of equality as a dynamism to the equality agenda and leave a legacy for change into the future.” government departments, state equality legislation. Travellers are inclined to take on cases, as - Niall Crowley, CEO of the Equality Authority. agencies and media organisations. We Comhairle and the Office of the they perceive they’re less likely to get a fair value? hearing, and have much more to lose if will be seeking to support NGOs to take Ombudsman will work together to see if Equality is something we make choices costs are awarded against them. It’s a initiatives to achieve progress on better ways can be found to get information about. Globally, choices have been and are burning issues for groups experiencing on rights effectively to the public. burning issue. made, as can be seen in the rights-based inequality. There will also be conferences on ‘30 (Editor’s note: At least two of the conventions of the United Nations. Ireland’s Years of Gender Equality Legislation’, and successful cases taken last year against ‘European Year of Equal What is the importance of the community on ‘Equality and The Irish Constitution’ publicans who discriminated against equality legislation is also a choice. It is & voluntary sector in tackling inequality? marking the 70th anniversary of the Travellers were supported by CDPs, in Cork important to embed equality as a value, as it influences all the other values we have. We see the sector as key players in the Constitution. and Limerick). That’s the mission of The Equality Authority. Opportunities for All’ equality agenda. Community groups and We do this on three fronts: 1. individual CDPs engage directly with groups that are What are your hopes for this European Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality 2007 has been identified by the European community groups to take initiatives to experiencing inequality, so we would see Year of Equal Opportunities for All? and Law Reform, Michael McDowell, has attitudes and behaviours, 2. institutional Commission as European Year of Equal achieve progress on burning issues for them as having a role in articulating their The motto for the Year is “Play Your Part”. said that inequality was an inevitable practices, and 3. cultural attitudes. Opportunities for All. groups experiencing inequality. interests and negotiating change. We hope the community & voluntary sector They have established four objectives for The Equality Authority is a statutory will take up the challenge during the year, the year: body mandated to promote equality and What are the main points of the both nationally and locally. We will be there - To raise awareness of rights under the eliminate discrimination in the workplace European Year of Equal to advise and assist them in this, though we Opportunities for All? won’t be providing direct funding. equality legislation. and in the provision of goods and services, We’ve come up with six priority areas: - To promote the participation of under- accommodation and education. Does the Equality Authority recognise represented groups in all sectors. Information and advocacy, equality mainstreaming, equality competence, exclusion and inequality based on - To encourage a celebration of diversity • For further information, contact: equality debate, multiple discrimination, class/socio-economic status? in society. The Equality Authority, 2 Clonmel and ‘the burning issues’. The nine grounds of equality - To support social cohesion and good Street, Dublin 2. We will be seeking to get institutions to discrimination under which The Equality relations between groups. Public Information Centre: look at how they can engage and adjust for Authority operates (gender, marital status, The Equality Authority has been Locall 1890 245 545. change, and we’ll be supporting policy and family status, age, disability, sexual appointed as the National Implementation Main Tel: 01-4173333. training in that respect. We’ve found the orientation, race, religion and membership Body for the Year in Ireland, and has Business Queries: 01-4173336. public and private sector very enthusiastic - of Traveller community) doesn’t include FAS and the HSE will lead a learning social class. We would support broadening completed a consultation exercise to shape Text Phone: 01-4173385. network in the public sector and IBEC will the grounds to include discrimination on the a strategy for the Year. A key part of the Fax: 01-4173331. do so in the private sector. grounds of socio-economic status. strategy will seek to support non- E-mail: [email protected] As regards the community and voluntary governmental organisations (NGOs) and Website: www.equality.ie area, a key event will be the sector review. Where are we today in relation to We will then organise a conference to look Traveller’s rights? changing ireland 16 boo-hoo for capitalism: 824 million people hit by chronic hunger in 2003 - unicef lity Authority oking for you!

Niall Crowley, Equality Authority director, about the ‘European Year of Equal Opportunities for All’ Gearóid Mac Giobúin

at how barriers can be removed and As regards Travellers’ Rights, we’re at a part of this “society of incentives”: can equality further enhanced. standstill, or even going backwards. you comment on that? Travellers have been the group who have Inequality is a product of a range of What kind of events are you organising taken the most actions under the Equal different processes, it is created by society, this year? Status Act that we operate under. At the moment, 1 in 5 of our case work involves and Irish society has chosen to try to Public awareness campaigns will take address and eliminate inequality through place during the European Year. These will discrimination against Travellers in schools, legislation and other measures. (Niall was focus on work life balance, ageism, cultural either in terms of access or victimisation. quoted previously – in the Irish Times – diversity in the workplace and people with We no longer deal with cases involving disabilities. Travellers being barred from public houses. saying that equality is "not a soundbite It’s crucial to build the confidence of This is now dealt with in the District Courts issue"). individuals to exercise their rights under under the Intoxicating Liquor Act. Far fewer equality legislation. Travellers are inclined to take on cases, as What’s the foundation of equality as a Comhairle and the Office of the they perceive they’re less likely to get a fair value? hearing, and have much more to lose if Ombudsman will work together to see if Equality is something we make choices costs are awarded against them. It’s a better ways can be found to get information about. Globally, choices have been and are on rights effectively to the public. burning issue. made, as can be seen in the rights-based There will also be conferences on ‘30 (Editor’s note: At least two of the conventions of the United Nations. Ireland’s Years of Gender Equality Legislation’, and successful cases taken last year against on ‘Equality and The Irish Constitution’ publicans who discriminated against equality legislation is also a choice. It is marking the 70th anniversary of the Travellers were supported by CDPs, in Cork important to embed equality as a value, as Constitution. and Limerick). it influences all the other values we have. That’s the mission of The Equality Authority. What are your hopes for this European Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality We do this on three fronts: 1. individual Year of Equal Opportunities for All? and Law Reform, Michael McDowell, has attitudes and behaviours, 2. institutional The motto for the Year is “Play Your Part”. said that inequality was an inevitable practices, and 3. cultural attitudes. We hope the community & voluntary sector will take up the challenge during the year, both nationally and locally. We will be there The burning issues to advise and assist them in this, though we These are the ‘burning issues’ this year in terms of dealing with inequality in Ireland: won’t be providing direct funding. - The sharing of caring responsibilities between men and women, the status and standing of those who play caring roles and the role of the State in supporting caring. Does the Equality Authority recognise - Gender conditioning in men and the role of men in pursuit of gender equality. exclusion and inequality based on - Recognition for transgender people. class/socio-economic status? - Family diversity in Irish society. The nine grounds of equality - Provision of accommodation to meet the needs of lone parents. discrimination under which The Equality - Developing a national strategy for carers. Authority operates (gender, marital status, - Negative stereotyping of young people. family status, age, disability, sexual - Access to health services for older people. orientation, race, religion and membership - The experience of people with disabilities in institutions. of Traveller community) doesn’t include - Supporting service providers to ensure accessibility of their services for people with social class. We would support broadening disabilities. the grounds to include discrimination on the - Partnership rights for same-sex couples. grounds of socio-economic status. - Integration for minority ethnic groups and the emergence of an integrated intercultural society. Where are we today in relation to - Majority community attitudes to Islam and the Muslim community. Traveller’s rights? - Achieving educational outcomes for Travellers changing ireland 17 www.indymedia.ie - grassroots, non-corporate news coverage in ireland South and Mid-West Support Agency conference Ireland lags behind Europe in supporting voluntary work

INTRODUCTION: The Irish voluntary sector The law (elsewhere) remains one of the least developed in Europe. On most of the key indices, we run says to consult below the rest of Europe. For example, the A recent study of the voluntary and density of voluntary organisations (here) is community sector working with older people about half that of Northern Ireland. In a in Ireland shows that such organisations are speech delivered to community workers and rarely consulted by the state. In most volunteers at a conference in Tralee, Brian European countries, they have to be by law. Harvey appealed to people to draw This is not to say that there is not a community development movement in inspiration from Europe and to reclaim a Ireland. Clearly there is, it is effective in anti- sense of Civil Society. poverty work, committed and good people He said that all the analyses of social work therein and the language of anti- policy show that where the state invests well poverty community development work has in voluntary and community organisations achieved a certain level of recognition and and civil society, we get a better quality of acceptance. But only a certain level. social policy. Conversely, where the state does not do so, we get a poorer outcome Programme good Veronica Bon, support agency worker, deep in and that is what we have here. enough to copy discussion with Joan O’Flynn of Combat Poverty. Here is an edited version of his speach: The Community Development Programme government perversely looks to the model of is undoubtedly a good model and it has the United States, a country which has inspired the setting up now of a similar achieved the worst social outcomes in health programme in Northern Ireland. (However), in the western hemisphere, although the the programme, having expanded hugely highest profits. and beyond anyone’s best hopes has been declared closed, as if community Community development development can ever have finite boundaries. One of the hard lessons arising about the marginalised experience of community development and In the face of these realities, community Guest speaker anti-poverty work is just how limited an development can offer only marginal impact community development can have improvements (for) groups and communities Brian Harvey when state economic and social policies do living in deprivation. That does not mean that not also address and confront policy. community development has not achieved something, it has, those humanitarian gains Cohesion was a have been important and they hold out the promise of what more can be achieved. curious exercise By contrast, if we look at successful The cohesion process launched several European countries, community development years ago to coordinate voluntary and and enlightened social policy have gone community services was always a curious hand in hand. Eg Scandinavia. exercise, if indeed it was about cohesion at So, what hope is there that anti-poverty all. But if it was about control and reminding work here can emerge from its dark valley? those voluntary and community services of their place then it is easier to understand. Draw inspiration from Europe At the risk of reminding ourselves of the obvious, Ireland has one of the highest rates There is abundant inspiration to be drawn of relative poverty in the European Union, the from the example of community development lowest proportion of spending on social anti-poverty work in other parts of the protection, the only primary health service European Union. There, they have been not free at point of first use, some of the worst greatly helped by the re-emergence of the social indicators in the Union and one of concept of civil society. Brian Harvey was a guest-speaker at the highest rates of income inequality. Such territory has not yet been won here: conference ‘Community development - a This is no accident, for it is the outcome of We recall the brief work of the Centre for tool for anti poverty work in Ireland’, economic and social choices made by Public Inquiry which was a non-governmental hosted by the South and Mid-West government and, it has to be said, the people organisation investigating corruption in Irish Community Development Support Agency, who elected and re-elected them. society. The Minister for Justice not only, in Brandon Hotel, Tralee, on January 30th. Especially in our health services, our American military parlance, took out the changing ireland 18 an old one: what do you call a fly without wings? - a walk! port Agency conference urope in work

Centre for Public Inquiry, but several members of the Oireachtas of different parties made it plain that there should be no role for such a non-governmental, civil society organisation in Ireland. Ann Galvin and Breda Ryan-Long of Cumann na Daoine CDP, Youghal, at the conference. Civil society is valued, abroad Contrast Irish intolerance with the We’re so disorganised, the European Union’s white paper on governance which not only affirmed the German Army feared to invade value of civil society but welcomed the role of non-governmental organisations as a WORLD War II politics came into the channel for protest. We are still a long way discussions at the conference in Tralee. The from that here. In anti-poverty work, our question was why was there no national body failure to define a space for civil society has to speak for the community and voluntary cost us and cost the poor. (Brian was sector. dismissive of the new NDP, despite it having “Our own poor level of organisation has been a problem,” declared guest speaker Brian a chapter on social inclusion). Harvey, with deliberate understatement. “One is community sector to government,” he said, reminded of what was called Operation highlighting the obvious. Reclaim civil society here! Shamrock in which German military intelligence By contrast, he pointed out, there is one in the assessed the state of Ireland in 1940 prior to a north – the Northern Ireland Council for The community development movement prospective invasion: They concluded that Irish Voluntary Action (NICVA). must move on to a new phase in its evolution, people were quarrelsome, reluctant to join “NICVA is not just an assembly of civil society one in which it connects to the relevance of together, indisciplined and as a result would be and voluntary organisations, but includes a politics. Time to start ‘reclaiming civil society’. hard to rule effectively.” formidable element of community development A first step, is to break this country’s and What was he on about, everyone wondered. and anti-poverty groups and as an organisation this government’s infatuation with American “Apparently dissuaded from an unwinnable has always made it plain that it believes in social social policy. Europe, even with its faults, has war, the German army invaded Russia instead,” change,” said Brian. said Brian to some laughter. He had earlier demonstrated that the Irish so much to offer us - the best economic government’s much-ignored White Paper on the performance in the world, a diverse media, Perhaps, the real reason the German empire- builders were afraid to invade was that, only sector had taken 25 years to publish. rich culture culture, how to manage diversity, “With such an equivalent organisation here, equality, social policy, environmental decades earlier, the world had witnessed a determined population push the British Empire would it have taken our government a quarter of protection, the best public services in the out of most of the country. a century to design a policy for the voluntary and community sector?” world, the most hopeful approach to But that would not have got as good a laugh, He said that the voluntary and community sustainable development. and Brian wanted to make one point: the sector sector in this state “hardly needs to handicap So perhaps, with these approaches in is terribly disorganised. itself” by remaining disorganised, by continuing mind, we can emerge from the dark valley “We have no national body to forcibly on without an equivalent to NICVA. and reach the sunlit uplands. represent the voice of the voluntary and Incidentally, Brian’s claim that there is “no national body to forcibly represent the voice of the voluntary and community sector” was Northern Ireland leads with manifesto accepted without protest by the large attendance. There were no cries in favour of the THE Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Community Platform, or the Community Workers Action (NICVA) launched its election Co-op, or even the Wheel. You got the sense he manifesto in mid-January. The document set would have dismissed any protest easily. out the views of the voluntary and community sector in 23 policy areas and put pressure on political parties in Northern Unexpressed anger Ireland in the run-up to Assembly Elections. Nothing like NICVA exists in the Republic of “THERE is a lot of anger, but it is not Ireland. In turn, no manifesto on behalf of expressed. The negative media angle of community and voluntary sector in this state coverage of public protest is very off- has been launched in the run-up to the putting. In other countries, people- General Election. power is respected.” For more information, check out: - Viv Sadd, Mahon CDP co-ordinator, www.nicva.org speaking at the conference in Tralee

changing ireland 19 we are witnessing a collision between our civilisation and the earth - al gore South and Mid-West Support Agency conference

Ireland’s power handed over to global capitalism, without protest - Peadar Kirby, the man who urged Costa Rica not to follow our example

PEADAR Kirby has been trying to talk for greed and self-interest, in place of a people in Costa Rica out of trying to copy robust society. We have recreated something Ireland’s formula for economic development. akin to the aristocracy of British rule. For Do they really want to see hundreds of example, many big property owners live people on hospital trolleys, he asks. overseas, to avoid paying tax at all here,” he The former journalist now lectures in said. international studies and is well-known as the author of a number of key books on WHY SO LITTLE PROTEST? development in Ireland and globally. He was The second puzzle is why is there so little a guest speaker* at a conference held in protest? Tralee at the beginning of the year, where he “Protest has been episodic. Fianna Fail had addressed the issue of poverty in a time of their lowest votes since 1927 in the last local boom. elections. It was a vote of protest. The next He recognised the positives in the Celtic thing the Taoiseach declares himself a Tiger, discussed why there is little protest over socialist. So, these protests do have their the negatives, and pointed to a people- effects,” said Peadar, adding from personal centred approach for future development: experience: “I had two close relatives die in “This time last year I was in San Jose in the last couple of years and their experiences Costa Rica for a conference titled 'Can Costa in hospital were appalling.” “Potential source of dissent are bought off. Rica become Ireland?' What I said to them Peadar Kirby. was, 'Should Costa Rica become Ireland?' There is the need for an alternative - we need and I told them about the hundreds of people entitlements lags behind the rising prices to build a counter-power, a power that will hold the market to account. And you CDP and lying on hospital trolleys.” of goods and services.” FRC people are one actor in building this He said his audience wouldn’t believe him. However, the failures are not inevitable. counter-power. Trade unions, for example, “Ireland is seen worldwide as a model of “They result from action or inaction by the are another. We have to give voice to our economic success. But the reality for us here is state who usually bow to the needs of global capitalism rather than looking after the needs values which are hidden beneath the false more ambiguous. Is it success or failure?” of our vulnerable citizens. That shift in power 'consensus' of social partnership. As long as characterises the failure of the Celtic Tiger,” ordinary people remain disorganised, the AMBIGUITIES continued Peadar. politicians benefit.” The successes (there are three): growth, prosperity and jobs. WHY? WE HAVE THE ANSWER The failures (again, there are three): “A bigger question is why is this happening Peadar believes the past provides the “Firstly,” claimed Peadar, “we have the - why is the Irish state so happy to hand over blueprint for moving forward now: “One worst level of relative poverty of the 25 power to global capitalism. Since the late hundred years ago, our state had its birth in countries in the EU, which means we have 1980s, according to Garret Fitzgerald, there a remarkable social movement. We had the rising inequality. Secondly, we have grave has been 'a very marked swing to the right in Irish language revival, a farmers' movement, failures in social provision, especially for the the broad policy stance of Irish governments the women's movement, sports revival, class most vulnerable people, which is appalling in as the influence of American economic movement under Connolly. At the same time, a society of so much wealth. Thirdly, our liberalism became much stronger'. we had international protests here against the quality of life is characterised by pressures, “It's not to do with the moral quality of our Boer War, which are a bit like the protests fears and insecurities.” politicians, but it is because we brought in low against Shannon being used in the US war tax rates on corporate profits which are an now.” essential part of the Irish model to attract and He believes a resurgence of a range of THE PUZZLE keep multi-nationals. But this model is a race protest movements could move Ireland “The puzzle of the Celtic Tiger,” he said, “is to the bottom as other countries try to forward in a way that would benefit people that the two come together - economic compete with the Irish success. more equitably. success and social failure: “We have low taxes on profits, wealth, (a) Social spending is up but, as a capital gains. And there is no tax on property * Peadar was speaking at the South and percentage of our overall wealth, it is ownership, which is astonishing to people Mid-West Community Development worse than a lot of poor countries in from other countries. Low taxes mean low Support Agency’s conference ‘Community Europe. government spending and poor public development - a tool for anti poverty (b) Our tax system has transferred money services. Meanwhile, what is extremely high work in Ireland’. It was held in Tralee at from the poor to the rich (up to the last is the tax on consumption, a tax that hits the the beginning of this year. Peadar is the two budgets). This is scandalous. poorest the most. head of the Centre for International (c) Government increases in welfare “We've made a choice for individualism, Studies in Dublin City University. changing ireland 20 “everyone for himself," cried the elephant, as he danced among the chickens Community Development Education

Check out Community Development courses in Ireland!

COMMUNITY Development courses at interesting ways of off-setting some of the and contact details for the courses will be higher education level in Ireland have been cost to the individual learner. placed on the Combat Poverty website in due documented and mapped as part of Combat • The Community Development courses were course. Poverty Agency’s ‘Having Your Say’ offered at different levels, from Certificate New research is also being carried out to programme. The work was carried out by to Masters Degree. Some of the courses identify Community Development courses Ralaheen Ltd and the company identified a were located on the National Framework of available at ‘Further Education’ level. Further number of factors that people thinking of Qualifications; others were not. This has Education in Ireland encompasses a very signing up for a course should consider. implications for students who may wish to broad range of programmes from Post They are: progress to a higher level at a later stage. Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses to Adult • Courses were both full-time and part-time, • Work placement was an important part of Literacy classes to Apprenticeships. some were offered on the campus of a some of the courses. However, in some The study is on-going and researchers at University or Institute of Technology while cases where students were already working Ralaheen will present their findings shortly. others were offered as outreach in the community and voluntary sector, To contribute to the study or to find out programmes in the community. The study supervised work placements were not more information, contact: revealed a very dynamic picture, with provided. Combat Poverty courses regularly closing, opening and A recommendation of the study was that (Tel. 01-670 6746. moving from place to place. the Having Your Say programme would E-mail: [email protected]. • The cost of courses varied greatly, even publish a list of all third level Community Website: www.cpa.ie) or where they were of similar duration and Development courses in Ireland. In 2006 a Ralaheen Ltd (Tel. Helen O’Leary on academic level. In some cases, course directory of courses was published. Now, in 01-679-3400. providers and learners had created 2007, an up-dated list of courses, colleges E-mail: [email protected]). changing ireland 21 climate change: we have no more than 10 years to make a difference - al gore Focus on Ballybrack - report by: ALLEN MEAGHER

Introduction: Volunteering in Ballybrack THERE were 3182 people living in the Ballybrack CDP catchment area in 2006 and the population is declining. Between 2002 and last year, the population decreased by 251 people or -7.3%. This is unusual for any part of Dublin, however Ballybrack – despite houses there selling for up to ?500,000. Ballybrack consists of nine housing estates containing 920 homes, but as a community, it generally misses out on basic services and people have to travel to other neighbourhoods to shop, see a doctor, engage in sports and so on. The CDP is now up and running and hoping to change things for the better, as chairperson Brenda Creigton fellow-volunter Tanya Breen, and project co-ordinator, Tina Pomphrett, explained to ‘Changing Ireland’. ‘I volunteered out of curiosity’

Why volunteer? for a couple of years, but when the home-school liason teacher encouraged me, I did a personal FIRST of all, out of curiosity. I had no understanding of what Community Development development and assertiveness course. was about, it’s still sometimes a bit blurry to me. What paid work are you engaged in? But Ballybrack had always missed out. It was left Now I teach drug-education among primary out of RAPID, for instance. And community school children. Some of that work is paid, some services are rarely placed here. is voluntary. But the CDP proposal did look possible and I Name one problem here: wanted to make sure it was supported. The dual-carriageway cuts the community in Did you do any voluntary half. It’s a community split by roads. work before this? What’s the most difficult thing about setting up I’d always been involved in summer projects, a CDP? I was on the committee for summer camps for The amount of really good people that got fed five years. I work part-time for the last two years up with the slow wheels of motion and dropped with the Youth Services (Dun Laoighaire CYS) off the committee. Tina contacted them all (when which works with young people aged 10 to 21. How local are you? the CDP was being launched) but they’d had I live across the road and I’ve three girls, aged Brenda Creighton, voluntary enough. 19, 16 and 13. Are things getting better in Ballybrack? Did you ever avail of community-based management chairperson When I was aged 13, there wasn’t even a bus education yourself? to Ballybrack. Now, we have a supermarket, I worked outside the home, then did nothing church and primary school. And a CDP! ‘I don’t want this to fail’

Why volunteer? What about facilities in neighbouring districts? I was very nosy. I heard Brenda and another Cabinteely GAA is within walking distance. girl talking about it. I am the only person here Are you glad you volunteered with the CDP? who grew up their whole life in Ballybrack. Bar I didn’t know what I was leaving myself in for. the summer projects, everything that came to Sometimes I go home and say ‘I’m not going to Ballybrack went away again. Nothing ever do this anymore’, but who else is going to do it? lasted, it would always dwindle off. There are And also, I don’t want it to fail like everything 920 houses here, but no local facilities. else did here. And, finally, in ten years time, we Is there anything for people to do in might see some of the benefits from the CDP’s Ballybrack? achievements. Besides the youth services and the soccer club, that’s it here. What would you hope to see? What was it like when you were growing up? I’d love to see the community work together I was in Ballybrack Running Club years ago because it is very divided, road by road. I hope and we hounded the Council for a track . . . but Tanya Breen, in ten years time that the CDP is well-established, we grew up while we were waiting for them to voluntary management well-supported. We could be the catalyst for reply and the club folded. There’s a gravel track bringing all the services, agencies and projects there now, alright. into the area. changing ireland 22 we hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office - aesop k - report by: ALLEN MEAGHER ‘Ballybrack is a pocket of disadvantage

What makes Ballybrack different? What is the most recent piece of work you The difference is that the services weren’t put did locally? into Ballybrack in the first place and I supported a group of twelve local young unfortunately, it missed out on being listed as a people who attend after-schools activity. They RAPID area also, though we are working to change that. designed a logo for our CDP. Are there other disadvantaged areas nearby? What motivates you? Loughlinstown, Ballyogan and Ballybrack I’m at work here since March, ’06: are all pockets of disadvantage in county Ballyogan CDP is very overdue, because the Dublin surrounded by affluent areas. area is disadvantaged and has seen nothing Have you done much volunteer work yourself? put into it in 30 years. We hope to change that. I’m from (nearby) Ballyogan, a council What are your priorities right now? housing-estate. I’ve worked voluntary there We urgently need a new premises and to since 1996. involve new members. Have you completed any training courses? Tina Pomphrett, The temporary premises I met Tina in was I did the Maynooth Community and Youthwork Diploma part-time over three years co-ordinator cold and did not have a letterbox: here’s (while also working a 35 hour week with hoping a suitable premises turns up soon for Catholic Youth Care). Ballybrack CDP! 9-year birth of a CDP: Ballybrack, Co. Dublin BALLYBRACK CDP is ten years in the pipeline organisation and they did in the Southside workplan. and – after securing funding and taking on Women’s Action Network (SWAN) CDP. a co-ordinator last year - is now finding its 2006 feet. Here is how the CDP was born: 2005 In March 2006, Tina was appointed co- In early 2005, SWAN CDP agreed to be ordinator. She has linked up with many 1997 the host organisation for Ballybrack CDP and groups in the area and the project had its Ballybrack was one of three communities in the application was approved. Now a funded official launch some months later. the Dun Laoghaire area, proactively targeted group, the voluntary management of for inclusion in the Community Development Ballybrack CDP and SWAN worked together 2007 Programme. to recruit a co-ordinator and to begin The next move for Ballybrack CDP is to find The work began in 1997 when Southside implementing the work set out in the a suitable premises and to boost local Partnership carried out an area action plan involvement in the project. for the partnership area, and submitted it to ‘Hosting’ labelled as Also, the voluntary management committee the relevant department then (the Department is working towards developing their capacity of Social Welfare). ‘a strength’ and ‘a and skills towards becoming independent of the hosting arrangement. They feel this is also 2002 weakness’ a priority for Ballybrack and are working and In 2002, Dunrath the then support agency THE voluntary management and co- training to achieve this. – Dunrath – began working with existing and ordinator of Ballybrack CDP recently They hope too to secure funding from the new groups in the Ballybrack community. carried out a ‘SWOT’ (Strengths, Department to recruit a part-time project They brought the groups together to develop Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) worker to work alongside the co-ordinator in a workplan which was submitted to the analysis and used the findings in delivering programmes locally. Department of Community Rural and developing aims and objectives for the Gaeltacht Affairs to fund a CDP. Strategic Work Plan. For more information, contact: It is worth noting that the hosting Tina Pomphrett, co-ordinator, Ballybrack 2004 arrangement was listed as both ‘a CDP, c/o SWAN CDP, 57 Ennel Court, strength’ and ‘a weakeness’. The By 2004, due to changes in policy, CDPs Loughlinstown, Dublin 18. voluntary management committee hope Tel/Fax: 01-235-1521. could no longer set up as legal companies, so the CDP will become independent in time. Ballybrack was advised to find a ‘host’ E-mail: [email protected] changing ireland 23 13 million: the number of hectares of land deforested in 2005 – unicef Resource page Give voice to 12 steps to Give voice to widespread your community coverage Your community can use the media in ways you might not have imagined. Here are 12 tips to get you going: - Don’t fear the media, use it! 1. The media is not a mad dog looking to savage you. Look at the media as a Here’s what I know: resource tool. By ALLEN MEAGHER A key part of community development 2. Find out how many of you in your work is to give voice to the needs and views project (paid and volunteers) and in BOTH Moyross and Southill in Limerick city of disadvantaged communities. Doing so your community are up for media have been in the media a lot for, as the through networking meetings is one half of work. Workers or residents who are saying goes, all the wrong reasons. the job. shy of speaking on radio can be But that’s not quite true – much of the encouraged to work on press releases coverage has been steered, influenced and The remaining voice-work may be done through the media. for the print media. informed by community representatives. 3. A day’s training would go a long Community-approved solutions to problems Yes, it feels as risky as coal-mining, the roof could collapse on you at any moment. way. Find out how to write a press here in Moyross were the ones being bandied release, and the do’s and don’ts of about at higher level, at political and funding But I understand that many community groups have an overly-healthy respect for the interviews. You wouldn’t pick up a level. This is an achievement. kango-hammer without knowing how media, with most CDPs avoiding the spotlight The ‘talkers’ in the community were a mix to use it, though a quick lesson and of volunteers, people who were volunteers a lot of the time. Once bitten, twice shy. trial would go a long way. and are now development workers, Well, as with mining, if adequate 4. The media can be easy to use. Call anonymous residents, and adult relations of precautions and training are in place, the Millie and Gavin who are recovering from them up, tell them what you want to likelihood of anyone being hurt falls to near- say and it’s said. Run a novel event burns after an arson attack on the car they zero. were sitting in. and invite them along. Who do you Already, some readers are probably know in your local radio station? If ‘official’ Moyross had not engaged with saying to themselves that it’s best to continue the media, where would we be now? A lot 5. The media can be difficult to work as you are, saying nothing to or through the worse off. with. They don’t see your story as a media. It is easy dismiss the media, saying news story everytime. Remember, not As a result of the media work: “No-one reads that ‘paper” (or listens to “that - The media and politicians know it is a place everything will get published. station”) when you are dumped on in the 6. Engage with the media in a simple that will stand up for itself in public. press or on radio. - Grants and other supports are more way. Facing a radio interview, list Nonetheless, when communities do forthcoming than before. THREE POINTS you wish to make and - Moyross voices have been heard respond, the media will adjust their focus. no more. The first two might be facts nationwide, the people living here are Recently, a racist article was published in the you wish to highlight, the third being a heard to speak and are not spoken of as if ‘Limerick Leader’ and, following eight solution you are proposing (and they are mute and powerless. complaints, the editor reacted and the racist- perhaps need support or resources to - Residents have learned how to use the minded author no longer writes for the put in place). media to get their message across. newspaper. 7. You are undoubtedly highly motivated - There is still, against the odds, substantial Sometimes you owe it to the community about your work and passionate to see pride among people from Moyross. you work with to engage with the media. your community prosper and to ensure your community comes out fighting anytime it is slandered in the media. 8. Go with your heart, with your conscience, in saying what you say. The effin meedja! Don’t say any more than what you set out to say, unless it is to elaborate. - Free skills training and advice 9. Do take care about the words you use to describe your community and ‘CHANGING Ireland’ media skills training spotlight. groups within the community. Don’t be workshops are available to all CDPs – on a The courses are delivered by Allen Meagher, shy of being critical of ineffective county or regional basis. CDPs or the local editor. He has facilitated media training in government initiatives or lack of them. Support Agency are expected to organise the Ireland and abroad since 1996. 10. Be honest. But you still don’t have to event, provide a premises and lunch. The You can also contact Allen Meagher at any answer every question you are facilitator(s) come without charge (saving time if your CDP finds itself in a dilemma over asked. Say what you are there to say ?1000 - ?1500). See page 2 for contact the media, or in need of advice on how to deal to the listeners, no matter what you are details. with the press, radio or tv on a specific issue. asked. Currently, projects in the South-East, North- Recently, he has worked with STAG CDP, Tosach 11. Start off with a positive press release West and Mid-West are preparing for Support Agency, Limerick Travellers to the local media about an event you ‘Changing Ireland’ Media Skills Workshops. The Development Group and the CDN Moyross on are running. Or phone Joe Duffy. mid-west training is geared specifically towards various media matters. CDPs who wish to learn basic skills so they can An excellent website that aims to boost PR 12. Run a media-training workshop or cope in a crisis situation, such as when crime skills within the community and voluntary sector course in your community and publish brings an area under the national media in Britain is: www.mediatrust.org a local newsletter. changing ireland 24 www.europa.eu/youth - gives young people youth related info on Europe Programme contacts / UN days CDP changes of address, etc - Issue 21: Tralee CDP has changed its email Pobail le Chéile CDP has moved website the chairperson. address from [email protected] to to www.pobaillc.com. The e-mail address [email protected] [email protected] remains the same. NOTE: Kindly call ‘Changing Ireland’ to notify readers of any changes you have The Galway Travellers Development In the last issue, Brian Keenan was listed made to your contact details. Support Group CDP has renamed itself the as the chairperson when in fact he is the co- T: 061 458090. Galway Travellers Movement CDP. ordinator of Inchicore CDP. Pat Carolan is E: [email protected]

CDP Support Agencies contact details: Regional Support Agencies Triskele Support Agency T : 01 -8780255 F : 01-8742626 Carrickmacross Workhouse, E : [email protected] Framework Support Agency Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan Pavee Point is a partnership of Irish Travellers 30, O’Connell Street, Chair : Emma-Jane Hoey and settled people working together to improve Waterford City Co-Ord’r : Temporarily vacant the lives of Irish Travellers through working Chair : Liz O’Dea (Acting) T : 042-9663706 F : 042-9690872 towards social justice, solidarity, socio-economic Co-Ord’r : Glynis Currie, Catherine Drea E : [email protected] W: www.triskele.ie development and human rights. T : 051-876122 F : 051-843106 Pavee Point aim for the appropriate inclusion of E : [email protected] Tosach Support Agency Travellers and the Traveller agenda in the focus W: www.frameworknet.com Nelson Mandela House, and work of CDPs and other initiatives. 44, Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1 South & Mid-West Community Chair : Bernie Walsh Women’s Aid Development Support Agency Co-Ord’r : Temporarily vacant Everton House, 47, Old Cabra Road, Block 1, Floor 2, T : 01-8171911 F : 01-8874888 Dublin 7 Ashbourne Business Park, E : [email protected] W: www.tosach.ie Co-Ord’r : Margaret Martin Dock Road, Limerick T : 01-8684721 F : 01-8684722 Chair : Toni Gleeson Draiocht Support Agency E : [email protected] W: www.womensaid.ie Co-Ord’r : Fiona O’Grady ‘An Tobar’, Elm Court, Helpline: 1800 341900 T : 061 -225711 F : 061 -225712 Kiltalown, Tallaght, Dublin 24 E : [email protected] Chair : Anne Troy Womens Aid aims to support our projects to W: www.mwcdsa.ie Co-Ord’r : Noel Fitzgerald & John Davies respond to the issue of violence against women. T : 01-4146979 F : 01-4146981 West Training and Development E : [email protected] DESSA (Disability and Equality Specialist Support Agency Support Agency) Mayoralty House, Merchants Road, Specialist Support Agencies Fumbally Court, Fumbally Lane, Galway Dublin 8 Chair : Jim O’Brien Pavee Point Chair : Jacqui Browne Co-Ord’r : Breda Lymer Travellers Centre Co-Ord’r : Alice Griffin T : 091-567827 46, North Great Charles Street T : 01-4163548 F : 01-4536861 F : 091-562305 Dublin 1 E : [email protected] E : [email protected] W: www.westtraining.ie Co-Ord’r : Ronnie Fay W: www.dessa.ie UN Days: March to June 2007

THE following United Nations days and 31 World No-Tobacco Day weeks – which will be marked worldwide - take place between March and June ’07: June 4 International Day of Innocent Children March Victims of Aggression 8 International Women's Day and United 5 World Environment Day Nations Day for Women's Rights and May 17 World Day to Combat Desertification International Peace 3 World Press Freedom Day and Drought 21 International Day for the Elimination of 15 International Day of Families 20 World Refugee Day Racial Discrimination 17 World Telecommunication Day 23 United Nations Public Service Day 21- Week of Solidarity with the Peoples 21 World Day for Cultural Diversity for 26 International Day Against Drug Abuse 28 Struggling against Racism and Racial Dialogue and Development and Illicit Trafficking and International Discrimination 22 International Day for Biological Day in Support of Victims of Torture 22 World Water Day Diversity 23 World Meteorological Day 25 - Week of Solidarity with The UN’s days, weeks, years and 31 the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing decades help focus the world on various April Territories issues of importance locally and globally. 7 World Health Day 29 International Day of United Nations The UN calls on member states and other 23 World Book and Copyright Day Peacekeepers organisations to mark these days. changing ireland 25 if we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research - einstein Intercultural and human rights People proud, despite discrimination - research report on Travellers in Galway city

A REPORT launched by the Galway Traveller Movement CDP has found that people are very proud to be Travellers, despite the discrimination they face. 16-year-old, Debbie McDonagh, in a moving speech at the report-launch, said she had a “right to keep her identity”, a “right to be respected as a Traveller” and a right “to be treated equal in the education system”. Travellers were involved in all stages of the 'Galway Traveller Movement Baseline Report', from planning, to research, collation and presentation. The report found that people were very proud to be known as Travellers. Even though - for example - Travellers are less nomadic Niall O’Brolcháin, Mayor of Galway, Hannagh McGinley, Galway Traveller Movement development worker, Margaret Ó Riada, GTM co-ordinator, Niall Crowley, director of The Equality Authority. than before, they value this attribute of their culture highly. occur in all aspects of their lives. For example, as part of the national Traveller Focus Week A new photo exhibition – running for a it is common for Travellers in Galway City to by the Mayor of Galway, Councillor Niall Ó week in March – proves the point with be followed around shops or to be subject to Brollcháin, and the keynote speech was given positive snapshots of Traveller life in the city racist abuse, both verbal and in some cases by Niall Crowley, chairman of the Equality (for details, see accompanying story). physical. Authority. However, there are times when Galway city The report also analysed the results of the Niall said it was disturbing but not Travellers are forced to deny their identity. 2002 National Census of Population and surprising to read that 96% of the Travellers in These are times when people believe that they according to the author of the report Ann Galway City have experienced racism. He may be discriminated against because of Irwin, the results were stark. suggested that Ireland is building a culture of their identity. Discrimination and racism are The report adds its voice to that of the compliance and that, despite the challenges themes that run through the entire report and national Traveller organisations, the Equality of the Equality Authority (it can take 3-4 years the research shows that almost all Travellers in Authority and the Irish Human Rights to take a case) positive change depends on Galway city have experienced discrimination Commission in calling for the conferring of individuals coming forward to take a case and racism and these incidents regularly ethnic status on the Traveller community. and being supported to do so. Also, as the National Plan Against Racism Éamon Ó Cuív, Minister for Community points out, one size does not fit all and Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, commended the ‘African Voice’ services must acknowledge that Travellers, in report and pledged that it will be discussed at common with other minority groups, can a government level and will not be left to MALCOLM Eremionkhale – who has experience services differently and rise to the gather dust on a shelf. worked closely with CDPs in Waterford challenge that this poses. As part of the launch Michael Collins city over recent years – is part of a team Kathleen Sweeney, chairperson of performed an extract from his one-man play preparing to launch the first issue of ‘The Galway Traveller Movement CDP said, “The “It’s a cultural thing! Or is it?” African Voice’, a registered national report poses challenges to us all”. The Galway Traveller Movement CDP was (tabloid) newspaper, established with the The report was launched in early December established in 1994. aim of promoting cultural diversity and integration in Ireland. The newspaper will particularly focus Three recommendations on African and African-Irish people in Ireland, along with more general news Ann Irwin, the author of the report, of people. coverage. made three main recommendations. Thirdly, Travellers must be placed firmly Individuals or organisations interested Firstly, she called for Travellers to be on the top of the agenda in Galway City recognised as a distinct ethnic minority and must remain a priority for all in submitting articles, news reports, group. services. features, true life experiences, ideas, etc. Secondly, there must be a recognition For more information, or copies of the for publication should contact: ‘The that, as the Anti-Racism Strategy puts it, report, contact: Margaret Ó Riada, co- African Voice’, mob. 087-2618184. “One size does not fit all" and services ordinator of the Galway Traveller E-Mail: [email protected] should be tailored to suit different types Movement CDP, tel. 091 765390. changing ireland 26 obviousness is always the enemy of correctness - bertrand russell nd human rights

Few Travellers live to collect a pension* IRELAND would be near the bottom of the • 49% of the Traveller population in • Only 1% of the Traveller population is UN league in many categories of poverty Galway City is made up of children made up of people 65 years or over, if the Traveller community in Galway were between the ages of 0-14 years, compared to 8% in the overall surveyed by themselves and the UN compared to 16% in the overall population, strongly indicating that believed these figures were typical of the population. Travellers die at a younger age than broad Irish population. • 60% of the Traveller population in their settled counterparts. In a research project, the Galway Galway finished school with no Travellers Movement CDP have found that: education or primary education only. At Note: The Social Welfare Law Reform and • The unemployment rate among the the report launch, Breda McDonagh of Pensions Act 2006 has changed the name Traveller community in Galway is 77%, the Galway Traveller Movement CDP of the Old Age Pension to State Pension. compared to an overall population argued that education was "the key to The new name came into effect on 29 figure of 5%. achievement, power and freedom”. September, 2006. Positive snapshots GALWAY Traveller Movement has decked opening on March 20th were Hannagh Racism Week (which incorporates the UN out the City Hall with a photographic McGinley, Galway Traveller Movement, and designated International Day Against Racial exhibition displaying positive snapshots of Dr. Joshua Castellino from the Irish Centre for Discrimination on the 21st March). modern Traveller life and the strong family Human Rights. The exhibition is open to the Members of Galway Traveller Movement values that underpin it. The main theme is public from Monday to Friday, March 19th- CDP also took part in the city’s Saint Patrick’s ‘Travellers as an ethnic group’ and the work 23rd. is a follow-up to the recent launch of the The exhibition was a collaborative effort: Day Parade. The entry mixed aspects of 'Galway Traveller Movement Baseline the photos are by Derek Spiers and the text by Traveller culture such as recycling, nomadism Report'. Travellers from Galway, and the exhibition and flower-making with a colourful magic The guest speakers scheduled for the was planned as part of Intercultural and Anti- machine.

Sisters and best friends – part of an exhibition by Galway Travellers Movement “We love one another from the bottom of our hearts and we never want to be separated. If we couldn’t live beside each other we wouldn’t want to live. She’s my sister and she’s my best friend.” - Nora Delaney

MARGARET and Nora Delaney are two sisters living in a group housing scheme in Galway City. Each summer they take to the roads for their long-awaited trip to Connemara where they meet up with other members of their extended family. They have been welcomed into the local community in Connemara but return to their houses in the city for the Winter. As much as they draw strength from their close supportive relationship, sometimes they feel the walls of their houses closing in, and dream of one day living in a halting site in the country. - Photo: Derek Speirs changing ireland 27 a man may be a very good theorist and yet talk absolute nonsense - schumpeter Changing Ireland ‘Who’s the most famous person you’ve met, Mary?’ PRESIDENT Mary McAleese is asked one new super-confident Mammy." question with regularity, especially by The second-most impressive person the children: 'Who is the most famous person President met was a man who overcame you've ever met Mary?' She prefers, literacy difficulties and transformed his life. however, to talk about the two people she but it was dogfood. She felt useless. She said these people, and others like them, has been the most impressed by, neither of "Another low point was when one of her were lucky there were organisations like them world leaders. She told the audience sons went to Germany for work as a young NALA and the CDPs to help them. in New Ross CDP who her heroes are: man. He wrote letters to her, but got no President McAleese is NALA’s patron. "One was a woman with five children reply. In his third letter, he wrote saying, For more information about who had problems at home and dropped 'Mammy, you obviously don't care about overcoming literacy and numeracy out of school early. She lived a very poor me, I'm dying of lonliness and you won't difficulties, contact the National Adult life, she couldn't read bedtime stories to her even write to me.' Well, that broke her Literacy Agency at: children. She was very clever though, more heart. 76 Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 01-855-4332. Fax: 01-855-5475. clever than she realised. The children never "She went to NALA (the National Adult E-mail: [email protected] found out that she couldn't read or write, Literacy Agency) and enrolled in literacy Website: www.nala.ie she hid it very well. classes, then went on to sit her Leaving Cert. "A low point for her came when 'Yellow She later did a degree course in Trinity President McAleese was College, Dublin, and is now studying for a Pack' food was launched - you know where speaking during a visit Masters. everything was in yellow wrapping and to New Ross CDP "Her children were so pleased with this - see pages 3-5 cheap. She thought she had bought beans, What did the Brits ever do for us? - the history we were never told

WHAT did ‘the Brits’ ever do for us? Brian Harvey and Peadar districts. According to Brian Harvey, community Kirby were among the guest “Significant improvements were achieved as development began in Ireland on August speakers at a conference a result of its work,” said Brian. “So 5th, 1891, to be precise, when the British held by the South and Mid- whatever about our understanding of the government established the Congested West Support Agency links between community development Districts Board. conference held in Tralee. and anti-poverty work that we discuss The Board was “yet another in a long line - see pages 18-20 today, that relationship was very well of attempts to respond to the poverty” and it understood and practised by a state was very successful. He said what was even Simultaneously, the board pushed development agency at the tail end of the more interesting, from our point of view, was economic investment, physical 19th century.” not just its aims, but its methods. infrastructure, social supports, agriculture, PS: One of the first things the new Irish The Congested Districts Board for Ireland, rural industry, science, education, government did in the 1920s was to was staffed and led by some of the leading housing, sanitation, poor environment and abolish the Congested Districts Board – Victorian social reformers of its day, and health services, believing that all these it didn’t suit their political interests and used methods that would fit neatly in with fields had to move forward in parallel. angered some of their wealthy any modern-day community development • The board promoted the establishment of supporters. theory, for example: committees in every parish, with the brief • The board started with a compilation of of banishing at least the most repulsive 84 baseline reports, describing in rich and demoralising effects of poverty. How to move detail the economic and social conditions • The board emphasised that it would not a buffalo, in each of the designated districts. support short-term efforts to relieve • The board then set in train a broad set of poverty, but only those calculated to or a measures for the economic and social address its root causes and promote long- government improvement of the districts. term outcomes. (Does this sound familiar?!) THE mosquito style of protest is the best • The board chose, in the face of strong way to move a buffalo, or a government. political opposition, to invest in the rural So, how do you move a buffalo? He co-operative movement as a means of won't feel a big stick, he'll take no notice confronting the predatory behaviour of the of you roaring at him. If one tiny mosquito financial institutions on people of low bites him, he will not notice much. But if a incomes. cloud of mosquitos attack at the same • Community-based nursing services were time, he will become very uncomfortable introduced, bringing preventative health services to the people. and quickly retreat. • Community organisers were appointed to "You should be imaginative in your lead the organisational development of forms of protest," suggested Peadar Kirby.

‘Changing Ireland’, c/o Community Enterprise Centre, Moyross, Limerick T. 061-458011 (editorial) / 458090 (admin). E: [email protected] or [email protected] W: www.changingireland.ie